Bill > HB4732

This bill modifies Michigan's penal code to strengthen protections for police dogs, police horses, and search and rescue dogs by establishing more comprehensive criminal penalties for harming these animals. The bill defines key terms such as "police dog" (a law enforcement dog under a handler's control), "search and rescue dog" (a dog trained for locating or rescuing individuals), and "serious physical harm" (substantial body disfigurement or serious impairment of a body organ or limb). It creates new criminal offenses and penalties, including making it illegal to intentionally kill or cause serious physical harm to these animals, with enhanced penalties for such actions while committing or attempting to commit another crime. Specifically, violating the provisions can result in felony charges with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 5 years and fines up to $10,000, depending on the specific circumstances of the offense. The bill also preserves the ability to charge individuals with additional criminal offenses beyond these animal-related violations. Notably, the bill is informally known as "Dozer's law" and will take effect 90 days after its enactment, signaling a legislative intent to provide stronger legal protections for working animals in law enforcement and emergency services.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4732