Bill > HB4131

This bill amends Michigan's animal care and treatment laws by providing more detailed definitions and protections for animals, with a particular focus on defining adequate shelter and care. The bill expands the definition of "shelter" for animals, especially dogs, to include specific requirements like appropriate protection from extreme weather, insulation, ventilation, and dry bedding. It clarifies that shelter must provide adequate protection suitable for the animal's age, species, and physical condition, and explicitly excludes certain inadequate spaces like crawl spaces, wire crates, and cardboard shelters. The bill establishes escalating criminal penalties for animal cruelty based on the number of animals involved and prior convictions, ranging from misdemeanors with up to 93 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for a first offense involving one animal, to felonies with up to 7 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for violations involving 25 or more animals or multiple prior convictions. The legislation also allows courts to order psychological evaluation, prohibit animal ownership as part of sentencing, and require defendants to pay for animal care costs. The bill maintains exemptions for lawful animal use in activities like farming, hunting, scientific research, and veterinary practice, and will take effect 90 days after enactment.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4131