Bill > HB4645

This bill amends the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure's sentencing guidelines, specifically focusing on Offense Variable 7, which relates to aggravated physical abuse. The bill introduces new provisions for scoring points when a companion animal is subjected to sadistic or brutal treatment, adding 25 points to the sentencing guidelines if a companion animal is treated with "sadism, torture, excessive brutality, or similarly egregious conduct" designed to increase fear and anxiety. The bill also expands the definition of "sadism" to explicitly include companion animals, describing it as conduct that subjects a victim or companion animal to extreme or prolonged pain or humiliation with the intent to produce suffering or for the offender's gratification. Additionally, the bill modifies language about counting victims or animals placed in danger of injury or loss of life. Importantly, this bill will only take effect if two related House Bills (HB 4646 and HB 4651) are also enacted into law, indicating it is part of a broader legislative package addressing animal cruelty and criminal sentencing.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4645