A bill to amend 1988 PA 426, entitled “An act to regulate dangerous animals; to provide for the confinement, identification, or destruction of dangerous animals; and to provide penalties for the owners or keepers of dangerous animals that attack human beings,” by amending the title and sections 1, 2, and 3 (MCL 287.321, 287.322, and 287.323), the title and section 2 as amended by 2022 PA 121, and by adding sections 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 3a, and 3b.
House Bill No. 5796 aims to amend the 1988 PA 426 act concerning the regulation of dangerous animals, with a focus on dogs. The bill seeks to update and expand definitions related to dangerous animals, introduce new sections for clearer regulations, and specify the conditions under which an animal or dog is deemed dangerous. Key provisions include the requirement for the confinement, identification, and, in some cases, the destruction of dangerous animals. It mandates the registration of dangerous dogs, outlines penalties for non-compliance, and details the responsibilities of state and local governmental entities in managing these animals.
The bill introduces definitions for terms such as "altered," "animal care facility," and "attack," and sets forth conditions that classify an animal or dog as dangerous. It establishes procedures for handling complaints, hearings, and the potential destruction or confinement of dangerous animals. Owners of potentially dangerous dogs are required to sterilize and vaccinate their dogs, obtain a license, notify relevant parties, and ensure proper confinement. For dogs deemed dangerous, more stringent measures, including possible euthanasia, are prescribed. The bill also includes provisions for notifying animal control in case of a move, restrictions on transferring ownership of dangerous dogs, and requirements for maintaining a list of potentially dangerous dogs.
Furthermore, the registration of dangerous dogs involves a fee, proof of vaccination, measures for confinement, and the posting of warning signs, with annual renewal requirements. Severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, or community service, are outlined for owners if their dangerous animal causes death or severe injury, as well as for lesser offenses such as non-severe injuries caused by the animal, allowing the animal to run at large, or failing to comply with the bill's requirements. Local governments are permitted to enact similar ordinances.
Introduced
by
Referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice
