Michigan Humane’s Annual Mutt March Returns to Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores After Pit Bull Ban Reversed

DETROIT, Oct. 12, 2023 – Today, Michigan Humane announced the return of their annual Mutt March to Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, slated for May 18, 2024. The event’s location was temporarily in question this fall after the Grosse Pointe Shores City Council approved breed-specific legislation banning pit bulls within the city.

Since 1989, Mutt March has served as Michigan Humane’s annual fundraising walk, celebrating people and their dogs on the grounds of Ford House. In 2023 alone, more than 700 participants attended the event from across southeastern Michigan. With the passing of Ordinance 279 in Grosse Pointe Shores this past September, commonly referred to as the city’s pit bull ban, Michigan Humane was forced to consider venues outside of the city that are inclusive and welcoming of all dog breeds.

“Pets are a part of our lives and our families. Our lives, and our communities, are better together,” said Michigan Humane President & CEO Matt Pepper. “For more than 35 years we have celebrated the bond we share with our pets at our annual Mutt March on the grounds of Ford House. We are thankful that the Grosse Pointe Shores City Council made the right decision, based on facts, to repeal their breed ban and give us the opportunity to bring our flagship community event back to the Ford House.”

On October 10, the Grosse Pointe Shores City Council held a special meeting to discuss Ordinance 279. In a 4-3 vote, they amended the ordinance, replaced it with ordinance 280, and removed any reference to breed-specific language. Practically, this repealed the pit bull ban and allowed Michigan Humane to once again host Mutt March at Ford House.

“The staff and board of trustees of Ford House are thrilled to welcome Michigan Humane and Mutt March back to this historic estate for 2024,” said Ford House President & CEO Mark J. Heppner. “Dogs are an important part of the Ford House story, having been on the property from the very beginning, sometimes as beloved members of the family and other times as staff, like our goose dog, Moss.

“I am grateful that the city council of Grosse Pointe Shores made this reversal decision, and we look forward to many more years of supporting Michigan Humane and its impactful mission while exposing thousands of their supporters (and their dogs) to the beauty and hospitality of Grosse Pointe Shores.”

Event details and registration information for Mutt March 2024 will be released in the coming months. For updates on the event, interested participants can visit MichiganHumane.org and FordHouse.org.

About Michigan Humane

Michigan Humane, founded in 1877, is the oldest and largest nonprofit animal welfare organization in the state. Michigan Humane is dedicated to helping the animals of southeastern Michigan, whether in our shelters, our veterinary clinics, or out in the community. Michigan Humane operates seven facilities dedicated to caring for animals and their families throughout metro Detroit; adoption partnerships with Premier Pet Supply, Petco, and PetSmart; and a Cruelty Investigation Department and a Statewide Animal Response Team. Learn more at michiganhumane.org.

About Ford House

Edsel & Eleanor Ford House is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and National Historic Landmark dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of the Ford Family. Ford House is located at 1100 Lake Shore Rd. in Grosse Pointe Shores. The historic lakeside estate was the family home of Edsel Ford – Henry and Clara Ford’s only son – where he lived with his wife Eleanor and their children beginning in 1928. Since 1978, Ford House has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to share Eleanor Ford’s vision of preserving the estate for future generations through interpretive tours, family activities, lectures, exhibits, gardens, and grounds events. It inspires, educates, and engages visitors by exploring its unique connections to art, design, history, and the environment while celebrating family traditions and community relationships. For more information, visit www.fordhouse.org or call (313) 884- 4222, and connect with Ford House on Facebook and Instagram.

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