Bill > SB0658

This bill amends a section of the Michigan Penal Code related to crimes against animals. The key provisions are: 1. It defines "companion animal" and prohibits various acts of cruelty against animals, including killing, torturing, mutilating, or poisoning them, with penalties ranging from 4 years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine for third-degree offenses to 10 years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine for first-degree offenses. 2. It allows the court to order the defendant to pay restitution for the costs of investigating, prosecuting, and caring for the animal victim, and prohibit the defendant from owning or possessing animals. 3. It establishes procedures for an animal control agency to seize and hold an animal that is a victim of animal cruelty, including requiring the owner to post a security deposit or bond to cover the animal's care costs, and allowing the agency to humanely euthanize the animal if it lacks a useful purpose or poses a public safety threat. 4. It provides that if the owner is acquitted in the criminal case, the security deposit or bond must be returned, except in cases where the court determines the animal lacks a useful purpose or poses a public safety threat.