Bill > HB5361

This bill amends Michigan's animal cruelty law to provide more comprehensive protections for animals and establish clearer procedures for handling animals in cases of suspected animal abuse. The bill defines key terms such as "animal" (any vertebrate other than a human) and "companion animal" (commonly considered a pet, including dogs and cats), and establishes three degrees of criminal offenses for killing or torturing animals, with penalties ranging from up to 4 to 10 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and up to 500 hours of community service. The bill introduces detailed provisions for the seizure, care, and potential disposition of animals involved in abuse cases, including requiring owners to pay restitution for investigation, prosecution, and animal care costs. It also allows courts to mandate psychiatric evaluation and counseling for offenders and prohibit animal ownership for a specified period. New procedural safeguards are established for animal seizures, including mandatory notice to owners, opportunities to post security bonds to prevent forfeiture, and hearings to determine the animal's fate. The bill maintains exceptions for lawful activities like hunting, fishing, livestock management, and veterinary practices, while providing animal control agencies immunity from civil liability for following the law's procedures.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-5361