Bill Text: MI SB0316 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: Crimes; animals; knowingly providing an animal to another individual who intends to abuse or mistreat the animal; prohibit. Amends secs. 49 & 50 of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.49 & 750.50).
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-11-12 - Referred To Committee Of The Whole With Substitute (s-1) [SB0316 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-SB0316-Introduced.html
SENATE BILL No. 316
May 14, 2019, Introduced by Senators MACDONALD, WOJNO, LUCIDO and ANANICH and referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.
A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled
"The Michigan penal code,"
by amending sections 49 and 50 (MCL 750.49 and 750.50), section 49
as amended by 2018 PA 461 and section 50 as amended by 2018 PA 452.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 49. (1) As used in this section:
(a) "Animal" means a vertebrate other than a human being.
(b) "Animal control agency" means an animal control shelter,
an animal protection shelter, or a law enforcement agency. As used
in this subdivision, "animal control shelter" and "animal
protection shelter" mean those terms as defined in section 1 of
1969 PA 287, MCL 287.331.
(2) A person shall not knowingly do any of the following:
(a) Own, possess, use, buy, sell, offer to buy or sell,
import, or export an animal for fighting or baiting, or as a target
to be shot at as a test of skill in marksmanship.
(b) Be a party to or cause the fighting, baiting, or shooting
of an animal as described in subdivision (a).
(c) Rent or otherwise obtain the use of a building, shed,
room, yard, ground, premises, vehicle, or any other venue for
fighting, baiting, or shooting an animal as described in
subdivision (a).
(d) Permit the use of a building, shed, room, yard, ground,
premises, vehicle, or any other venue belonging to him or her or
under his or her control for any of the purposes described in this
section.
(e) Organize, promote, or collect money for the fighting,
baiting, or shooting of an animal as described in subdivisions (a)
to (d).
(f) Be present at a building, shed, room, yard, ground,
premises, vehicle, or any other venue where preparations are being
made for an exhibition described in subdivisions (a) to (d), or be
present at the exhibition, knowing that an exhibition is taking
place or about to take place.
(g) Breed, buy, sell, offer to buy or sell, exchange, import,
or export an animal the person knows has been trained or used for
fighting as described in subdivisions (a) to (d), or breed, buy,
sell, offer to buy or sell, exchange, import, or export the
offspring of an animal the person knows has been trained or used
for fighting as described in subdivisions (a) to (d). This
subdivision does not prohibit owning, breeding, buying, selling,
offering to buy or sell, exchanging, importing, or exporting an
animal for agricultural or agricultural exposition purposes. This
subdivision does not prohibit an animal control agency from owning,
adopting, or transferring ownership of an animal for the purpose of
adoption of an animal trained or used for fighting as described in
subdivisions (a) to (d) or an animal that is the first- or second-
generation offspring of an animal trained or used for fighting as
described in subdivisions (a) to (d). If an animal is found fit for
placement and is transferred or adopted, the animal control agency
that transfers or adopts the animal shall do all of the following:
(i) Sterilize the animal or collect a good-faith deposit for
sterilization as required under section 8a of 1969 PA 287, MCL
287.338a.
(ii) Provide a copy of the animal's history, including, but
not limited to, a description of why the animal was seized,
veterinary records, and a copy of subsections (8) to (14) to the
person to whom the animal is transferred or adopted.
(h) Own, possess, use, buy, sell, offer to buy or sell,
transport, or deliver any device or equipment intended for use in
the fighting, baiting, or shooting of an animal as described in
subdivisions (a) to (d).
(i) Provide an animal to another individual who intends to use
the animal for fighting as described in subdivisions (a) to (d).
(3) A person who violates subsection (2)(a) to (e) is guilty
of a felony punishable by 1 or more of the following:
(a) Imprisonment for not more than 4 years.
(b) A fine of not less than $5,000.00 or more than $50,000.00.
(c) Not less than 500 or more than 1,000 hours of community
service.
(4)
A person who violates subsection (2)(f) to (h) (i) is
guilty of a felony punishable by 1 or more of the following:
(a) Imprisonment for not more than 4 years.
(b) A fine of not less than $1,000.00 or more than $5,000.00.
(c) Not less than 250 or more than 500 hours of community
service.
(5) The court may order a person convicted of violating this
section to pay the costs of prosecution.
(6) The court may order a person convicted of violating this
section to pay the costs for investigating the violation of this
section, disposition of the animal, and housing and caring for the
animal, including, but not limited to, providing veterinary medical
treatment. As used in this subsection, "disposition" includes the
transfer, euthanasia, or adoption of an animal.
(7) As part of the sentence for a violation of subsection (2),
the court shall order the person convicted not to own or possess an
animal of the same species involved in the violation of this
section for 5 years after the date of sentencing. Failure to comply
with
the an order of the court pursuant to issued under this
subsection is punishable as contempt of court.
(8) If a person incites an animal trained or used for fighting
or an animal that is the first- or second-generation offspring of
an animal trained or used for fighting to attack a person and the
attack causes the death of that person, the owner is guilty of a
felony punishable by imprisonment for life or for a term of years
greater than 15 years.
(9) If a person incites an animal trained or used for fighting
or an animal that is the first- or second-generation offspring of
an animal trained or used for fighting to attack a person, but the
attack does not result in the death of the person, the owner is
guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4
years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.
(10) If an animal trained or used for fighting or an animal
that is the first- or second-generation offspring of an animal
trained or used for fighting attacks a person without provocation
and causes the death of that person, the owner of the animal is
guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 15
years.
(11) If an animal trained or used for fighting or an animal
that is the first- or second-generation offspring of an animal
trained or used for fighting attacks a person without provocation,
but the attack does not cause the death of the person, the owner is
guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more
than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.
(12) Subsections (8) to (11) do not apply if the person
attacked was committing or attempting to commit an unlawful act on
the property of the owner of the animal.
(13) If an animal trained or used for fighting or an animal
that is the first- or second-generation offspring of a dog trained
or used for fighting goes beyond the property limits of its owner
without being securely restrained, the owner is guilty of a
misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or
a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00, or both.
(14) If an animal trained or used for fighting or an animal
that is the first- or second-generation offspring of a dog trained
or used for fighting is not securely enclosed or restrained on the
owner's property, the owner is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable
by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or a fine of not more
than $500.00, or both.
(15) Subsections (8) to (14) do not apply to any of the
following:
(a) A dog trained or used for fighting, or the first- or
second-generation offspring of a dog trained or used for fighting,
that is used by a law enforcement agency of this state or a county,
city, village, or township.
(b) A certified leader dog recognized and trained by a
national guide dog association for the blind or for persons with
disabilities.
(c) A corporation licensed under the private security business
and security alarm act, 1968 PA 330, MCL 338.1051 to 338.1092, when
a dog trained or used for fighting, or the first- or second-
generation offspring of a dog trained or used for fighting, is used
in accordance with the private security business and security alarm
act, 1968 PA 330, MCL 338.1051 to 338.1092.
(16) Except as provided in subsection (20), an animal that has
been used to fight in violation of this section or that is involved
in
a violation of subsections (8) to (14) must shall be
confiscated
by a law enforcement officer and must not be returned to the owner,
trainer, or possessor of the animal. The animal must be taken to a
local animal control agency. If an animal owner, trainer, or
possessor is convicted of violating subsection (2) or subsections
(8) to (14), the court shall award the animal involved in the
violation to the animal control agency for evaluation and
disposition.
(17) An animal control agency taking custody of an animal
under subsection (16) shall give notice within 72 hours after
seizure of the animal by registered mail to the last known address
of the animal's owner, if the owner of the animal is known. If the
owner of the animal is unknown, an animal control agency taking
custody of an animal under subsection (16) shall give notice within
72 hours after seizure of the animal by 1 of the following methods:
(a) Posting at the location of the seizure.
(b) Delivery to a person residing at the location of the
seizure.
(c) Registered mail to the location of the seizure.
(18) The notice required under subsection (17) must include
all of the following:
(a) A description of each animal seized.
(b) The time, date, location, and description of circumstances
under which the animal was seized.
(c) The address and telephone number of the location where the
animal is being held and contact information for the individual
present at that location from whom security deposit or bond
information may be obtained.
(d) A statement that the owner or possessor of the animal may
post a security deposit or bond that may prevent the forfeiture of
the animal for the duration of the criminal, forfeiture, or other
court proceeding until the court makes a final determination
regarding the animal's disposition, that failure to post a security
deposit or bond within 14 days after the date on the notice will
result in forfeiture of the animal, and that the owner or possessor
of the animal may, before the expiration of the 14-day period
described in this subdivision, request a hearing on whether the
requirement to post a security deposit or bond is justified or
whether the cost associated with the security deposit or bond is
fair and reasonable for the care of and provision for the seized
animal.
Notice of a request for a hearing under this subsection
subdivision shall be served on the animal control agency holding
the animal before the expiration of the 14-day period described in
this
subsection. subdivision. At a hearing on whether the
requirement to post a security deposit or bond is justified, the
prosecuting attorney has the burden to establish by a preponderance
of the evidence that a violation of this section occurred. If the
court finds that the prosecuting attorney has met its burden, the
animal will be forfeited to the animal control agency that seized
the animal unless the owner or possessor of the animal posts the
required security deposit or bond. An owner or possessor's failure
to appear at a scheduled hearing requested under this subdivision
will result in automatic forfeiture of the animal if the date of
the scheduled hearing is more than 14 days after the date on the
notice described in this subsection.
(e) A statement that the owner or possessor of the animal is
responsible for all costs described in subsection (6), unless the
court determines that the seizure of the animal was not
substantially justified by law.
(19) An animal control agency that has custody of a seized
animal under subsection (16) shall hold the animal for a period of
14 consecutive days, including weekends and holidays, beginning on
the date notice was given under subsection (17). After the
expiration of the 14 days, if the owner or a possessor of the
animal has not posted a security deposit or bond as provided in
subsection (20), the animal is forfeited, and the animal control
agency may dispose of the animal by adoption, transfer to another
animal control agency, or humane euthanasia.
(20) The owner or possessor of an animal seized under
subsection (16) may prevent forfeiture and disposition of the
animal by an animal control agency for the duration of the
criminal, forfeiture, or other court proceeding until the court
makes a final determination regarding the animal's disposition by
posting a security deposit or bond with the court within 14 days
after the date on the notice described in subsection (18). The bond
must be in a sufficient amount to secure payment of all costs
described in subsection (6) during a 30-day period of boarding and
veterinary treatment of the animal after examination by a licensed
veterinarian. The animal control agency shall determine the amount
of the bond no later than 72 hours after the seizure of the animal,
and shall make the amount of the bond available to the owner or
possessor of the animal upon request. The owner or possessor of the
animal shall provide proof of the security deposit or bond to the
animal control agency no later than 14 days after the date on the
notice described in subsection (18).
(21) An animal control agency that is holding or requiring to
be held a seized animal as provided in this section may draw on a
security deposit or bond posted under subsection (20) or (22) to
cover the actual reasonable costs incurred in the seizure, care,
keeping, and disposition of the animal as described in subsection
(6) from the date of the seizure to the date of the official
disposition of the animal in the criminal action.
(22) If a security deposit or bond has been posted under
subsection (20), and trial in the criminal action does not occur
within the initial 30-day bond period or is continued to a later
date, the owner or possessor shall post an additional security
deposit or bond in an amount determined sufficient to cover the
costs described in subsection (6) as anticipated to be incurred by
the animal control agency caring for the animal. The additional
security deposit or bond must be calculated in 30-day increments
and continue until the criminal action is resolved. If the owner or
possessor of the animal fails to post a new security deposit or
bond with the court before the previous security deposit or bond
expires, the animal is forfeited to the animal control agency
caring for the animal.
(23) If the owner or possessor that posted a security deposit
or bond under subsection (20) or (22) is found not guilty in the
criminal action, the amount of the security deposit or bond posted
to prevent disposition of the animal may be returned to the owner
or possessor at the court's discretion, and, subject to subsections
(25) and (26), the animal must be returned to the owner.
(24) If a security deposit or bond is posted by an owner or
possessor of an animal under subsection (20) or (22) and the court
determines that the animal is a dangerous animal or lacks any
useful purpose under subsection (26), the posting of the security
deposit
or bond must does not prevent disposition of the animal.
(25) Upon receiving an animal seized under this section, or at
any time thereafter, an animal control agency may humanely
euthanize the animal or have the animal euthanized if, in the
opinion of a licensed veterinarian, the animal is injured or
diseased past recovery or the animal's continued existence is
inhumane so that euthanasia is necessary to relieve pain and
suffering. This subsection applies to an animal whether or not a
security deposit or bond has been posted under subsection (20) or
(22).
(26) An animal control agency that receives an animal under
this section may apply to the district court or municipal court for
a hearing to determine whether the animal must be humanely
euthanized because of its lack of any useful purpose or the public
safety threat it poses. The court shall hold a hearing not more
than 30 days after the filing of the application and shall give
notice of the hearing to the owner of the animal. Upon a finding by
the court that the animal lacks any useful purpose or poses a
threat to public safety, the animal control agency shall humanely
euthanize the animal or have the animal euthanized. Expenses
incurred in connection with the housing, care, upkeep, or
euthanasia of the animal by an animal control agency, or by a
person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity, may, in
the court's discretion, be assessed against the owner of the
animal.
(27) Subject to subsections (16), (25), and (26), all animals
being used or to be used in fighting, equipment, devices, and money
involved in a violation of subsection (2) must be forfeited to this
state. All other instrumentalities, proceeds, and substituted
proceeds of a violation of subsection (2) are subject to forfeiture
under chapter 47 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA
236, MCL 600.4701 to 600.4710.
(28) The seizing agency may deposit money seized under
subsection (27) into an interest-bearing account in a financial
institution. As used in this subsection, "financial institution"
means a state or nationally chartered bank or a state or federally
chartered savings and loan association, savings bank, or credit
union whose deposits are insured by an agency of the United States
government and that maintains a principal office or branch office
located in this state under the laws of this state or the United
States.
(29) An attorney for a person who is charged with a violation
of subsection (2) involving or related to money seized under
subsection (27) must be afforded a period of 60 days within which
to examine that money. This 60-day period will begin to run after
notice of forfeiture is given but before the money is deposited
into a financial institution under subsection (28). If the attorney
general, prosecuting attorney, or city or township attorney fails
to sustain his or her burden of proof in forfeiture proceedings
under subsection (27), the court shall order the return of the
money, including any interest earned on money deposited into a
financial institution under subsection (28).
(30) This section does not apply to conduct that is permitted
by and is in compliance with any of the following:
(a) Part 401 of the natural resources and environmental
protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.40101 to 324.40120.
(b) Part 435 of the natural resources and environmental
protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.43501 to 324.43561.
(c) Part 427 of the natural resources and environmental
protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.42701 to 324.42714.
(d) Part 417 of the natural resources and environmental
protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.41701 to 324.41712.
(31) This section does not prohibit a person from being
charged with, convicted of, or punished for any other violation of
law that is committed by that person while violating this section.
Sec. 50. (1) As used in this section and section 50b:
(a) "Adequate care" means the provision of sufficient food,
water, shelter, sanitary conditions, exercise, and veterinary
medical attention in order to maintain an animal in a state of good
health.
(b) "Animal" means a vertebrate other than a human being.
(c) "Animal protection shelter" means a facility operated by a
person, humane society, society for the prevention of cruelty to
animals, or any other nonprofit organization, for the care of
homeless animals.
(d) "Animal control shelter" means a facility operated by a
county, city, village, or township to impound and care for animals
found in streets or otherwise at large contrary to an ordinance of
the county, city, village, or township or state law.
(e) "Breeder" means a person that breeds animals other than
livestock or dogs for remuneration, or that is a large-scale dog
breeding kennel as that term is defined in section 1 of 1969 PA
287, MCL 287.331.
(f) "Licensed veterinarian" means a person licensed or
otherwise authorized to practice veterinary medicine under article
15 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.16101 to
333.18838.
(g) "Livestock" means that term as defined in section 5 of the
animal industry act, 1988 PA 466, MCL 287.705.
(h) "Person" means an individual, partnership, limited
liability company, corporation, association, governmental entity,
or other legal entity.
(i) "Pet shop" means that term as defined in section 1 of 1969
PA 287, MCL 287.331.
(j) "Neglect" means to fail to sufficiently and properly care
for an animal to the extent that the animal's health is
jeopardized.
(k) "Sanitary conditions" means space free from health hazards
including excessive animal waste, overcrowding of animals, or other
conditions that endanger the animal's health. This definition does
not include any condition resulting from a customary and reasonable
practice pursuant to farming or animal husbandry.
(l) "Shelter" means adequate protection from the elements and
weather conditions suitable for the age, species, and physical
condition of the animal so as to maintain the animal in a state of
good health. Shelter, for livestock, includes structures or natural
features such as trees or topography. Shelter, for a dog, includes
1 or more of the following:
(i) The residence of the dog's owner or other individual.
(ii) A doghouse that is an enclosed structure with a roof and
of appropriate dimensions for the breed and size of the dog. The
doghouse must have dry bedding when the outdoor temperature is or
is predicted to drop below freezing.
(iii) A structure, including a garage, barn, or shed, that is
sufficiently insulated and ventilated to protect the dog from
exposure to extreme temperatures or, if not sufficiently insulated
and ventilated, contains a doghouse as provided under subparagraph
(ii) that is accessible to the dog.
(m) "State of good health" means freedom from disease and
illness, and in a condition of proper body weight and temperature
for the age and species of the animal, unless the animal is
undergoing appropriate treatment.
(n) "Tethering" means the restraint and confinement of a dog
by use of a chain, rope, or similar device.
(o) "Water" means potable water that is suitable for the age
and species of animal and that is made regularly available unless
otherwise directed by a licensed veterinarian.
(2) An owner, possessor, breeder, operator of a pet shop, or
person having the charge or custody of an animal shall not do any
of the following:
(a) Fail to provide an animal with adequate care.
(b) Cruelly drive, work, or beat an animal, or cause an animal
to be cruelly driven, worked, or beaten.
(c) Carry or cause to be carried in or upon a vehicle or
otherwise any live animal having the feet or legs tied together,
other than an animal being transported for medical care or a horse
whose feet are hobbled to protect the horse during transport, or in
any other cruel and inhumane manner.
(d) Carry or cause to be carried a live animal in or upon a
vehicle or otherwise without providing a secure space, rack, car,
crate, or cage in which livestock may stand and in which all other
animals may stand, turn around, and lie down during transportation,
or while awaiting slaughter. As used in this subdivision, for
purposes of transportation of sled dogs, "stand" means sufficient
vertical distance to allow the animal to stand without its
shoulders touching the top of the crate or transportation vehicle.
(e) Abandon an animal or cause an animal to be abandoned, in
any place, without making provisions for the animal's adequate
care, unless premises are vacated for the protection of human life
or the prevention of injury to a human. An animal that is lost by
an owner or custodian while traveling, walking, hiking, or hunting
is not abandoned under this section when the owner or custodian has
made a reasonable effort to locate the animal.
(f) Negligently allow any animal, including one who is aged,
diseased, maimed, hopelessly sick, disabled, or nonambulatory to
suffer unnecessary neglect, torture, or pain.
(g) Tether a dog unless the tether is at least 3 times the
length of the dog as measured from the tip of its nose to the base
of its tail and is attached to a harness or nonchoke collar
designed for tethering. This subdivision does not apply if the
tethering of the dog occurs while the dog is being groomed,
trained, transported, or used in a hunt or event where a shorter
tether is necessary for the safety and well-being of the dog and
others.
(h) Knowingly provide an animal to another individual who
intends to abuse the animal.
(3) If an animal is impounded and is being held by an animal
control shelter or its designee or an animal protection shelter or
its designee or a licensed veterinarian pending the outcome of a
criminal action charging a violation of this section or section
50b, before final disposition of the criminal charge, the
prosecuting attorney may file a civil action in the court that has
jurisdiction of the criminal action, requesting that the court
issue an order forfeiting the animal to the animal control shelter
or animal protection shelter or to a licensed veterinarian before
final disposition of the criminal charge. The prosecuting attorney
shall serve a true copy of the summons and complaint upon the
defendant and upon a person with a known ownership interest or
known security interest in the animal or a person who has filed a
lien with the secretary of state on the animal. The forfeiture of
an animal under this section encumbered by a security interest is
subject to the interest of the holder of the security interest if
he or she did not have prior knowledge of or did not consent to the
commission of the crime. Upon the filing of the civil action, the
court shall set a hearing on the complaint. The hearing must be
conducted within 14 days of the filing of the civil action, or as
soon as practicable. The hearing must be before a judge without a
jury. At the hearing, the prosecuting attorney has the burden of
establishing by a preponderance of the evidence that a violation of
this section or section 50b occurred. If the court finds that the
prosecuting attorney has met this burden, the court shall order
immediate forfeiture of the animal to the animal control shelter or
animal protection shelter or the licensed veterinarian unless the
defendant, within 72 hours of the hearing, submits to the court
clerk cash or other form of security in an amount determined by the
court to be sufficient to repay all reasonable costs incurred, and
anticipated to be incurred, by the animal control shelter or animal
protection shelter or the licensed veterinarian in caring for the
animal from the date of initial impoundment to the date of trial.
If cash or other security has been submitted, and the trial in the
action is continued at a later date, any order of continuance must
require the defendant to submit additional cash or security in an
amount determined by the court to be sufficient to repay all
additional reasonable costs anticipated to be incurred by the
animal control shelter or animal protection shelter or the licensed
veterinarian in caring for the animal until the new date of trial.
If the defendant submits cash or other security to the court under
this subsection the court may enter an order authorizing the use of
that cash or other security before final disposition of the
criminal charges to pay the reasonable costs incurred by the animal
control shelter or animal protection shelter or the licensed
veterinarian in caring for the animal from the date of impoundment
to the date of final disposition of the criminal charges. The
testimony of a person at a hearing held under this subsection is
not admissible against him or her in any criminal proceeding except
in a criminal prosecution for perjury. The testimony of a person at
a hearing held under this subsection does not waive the person's
constitutional right against self-incrimination. An animal seized
under this section or section 50b is not subject to any other civil
action pending the final judgment of the forfeiture action under
this subsection.
(4) A person who violates subsection (2) is guilty of a crime
as follows:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivisions (c) to (f),
if the violation involved 1 animal, the person is guilty of a
misdemeanor punishable by 1 or more of the following and may be
ordered to pay the costs of prosecution:
(i) Imprisonment for not more than 93 days.
(ii) A fine of not more than $1,000.00.
(iii) Community service for not more than 200 hours.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subdivisions (c) to (f),
if the violation involved 2 or 3 animals or the death of any
animal, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by 1 or
more of the following and may be ordered to pay the costs of
prosecution:
(i) Imprisonment for not more than 1 year.
(ii) A fine of not more than $2,000.00.
(iii) Community service for not more than 300 hours.
(c) If the violation involved 4 or more animals but fewer than
10 animals or the person had 1 prior conviction under subsection
(2), the person is guilty of a felony punishable by 1 or more of
the following and may be ordered to pay the costs of prosecution:
(i) Imprisonment for not more than 2 years.
(ii) A fine of not more than $2,000.00.
(iii) Community service for not more than 300 hours.
(d) If the violation involved 10 or more animals but fewer
than 25 animals or the person had 2 prior convictions for violating
subsection (2), the person is guilty of a felony punishable by 1 or
more of the following and may be ordered to pay the costs of
prosecution:
(i) Imprisonment for not more than 4 years.
(ii) A fine of not more than $5,000.00.
(iii) Community service for not more than 500 hours.
(e) If the violation involved 25 or more animals or the person
has had 3 or more prior convictions for violating subsection (2),
the person is guilty of a felony punishable by 1 or more of the
following and may be ordered to pay the costs of prosecution:
(i) Imprisonment for not more than 7 years.
(ii) A fine of not more than $10,000.00.
(iii) Community service for not more than 500 hours.
(f) If the person is a breeder, or if the person is an
operator of a pet shop and he or she has had 5 or more prior
convictions for violating 1969 PA 287, MCL 287.331 to 287.340, the
person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not
more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both.
(5) The court may order a person convicted of violating
subsection (2) to be evaluated to determine the need for
psychiatric or psychological counseling and, if determined
appropriate by the court, to receive psychiatric or psychological
counseling. The evaluation and counseling must be at the
defendant's own expense.
(6) This section does not prohibit a person from being charged
with, convicted of, or punished for any other violation of law
arising out of the same transaction as the violation of this
section.
(7) The court may order a term of imprisonment imposed for a
violation of this section to be served consecutively to a term of
imprisonment imposed for any other crime including any other
violation of law arising out of the same transaction as the
violation of this section.
(8) As a part of the sentence for a violation of subsection
(2), the court may order the defendant to pay the costs of the
care, housing, and veterinary medical care for the animal, as
applicable. If the court does not order a defendant to pay all of
the applicable costs listed in this subsection, or orders only
partial payment of these costs, the court shall state on the record
the reason for that action.
(9) As a part of the sentence for a violation of subsection
(2), the court may, as a condition of probation, order the
defendant not to own or possess an animal for a period of time not
to exceed the period of probation. If a person is convicted of a
second or subsequent violation of subsection (2), the court may
order the defendant not to own or possess an animal for any period
of time, including permanent relinquishment of animal ownership.
(10) A person who owns or possesses an animal in violation of
an order issued under subsection (9) is subject to revocation of
probation if the order is issued as a condition of probation. A
person who owns or possesses an animal in violation of an order
issued under subsection (9) is also subject to the civil and
criminal contempt power of the court, and if found guilty of
criminal contempt, may be punished by imprisonment for not more
than 90 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.
(11) As part of the sentence imposed under subsection (4)(e),
the court may place the defendant on probation for any term of
years, but not less than 5 years.
(12) This section does not prohibit the lawful killing or
other use of an animal, including the following:
(a) Fishing.
(b) Hunting, trapping, or wildlife control regulated under the
natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451,
MCL 324.101 to 324.90106.
(c) Horse racing.
(d) The operation of a zoological park or aquarium.
(e) Pest or rodent control regulated under part 83 of the
natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451,
MCL 324.8301 to 324.8336.
(f) Farming or a generally accepted animal husbandry or
farming practice involving livestock.
(g) Scientific research under 1969 PA 224, MCL 287.381 to
287.395.
(h) Scientific research or the lawful killing of an animal
under sections 2226, 2671, 2676, and 7333 of the public health
code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.2226, 333.2671, 333.2676, and 333.7333.
(i) The lawful killing or use of an animal under the animal
industry act, 1988 PA 466, MCL 287.701 to 287.746.
(13) This section does not apply to a veterinarian or a
veterinary technician lawfully engaging in the practice of
veterinary medicine under part 188 of the public health code, 1978
PA 368, MCL 333.18801 to 333.18838.