Cruelty to animals is illegal in Michigan, as it is across the country. Some of the state’s animal protection laws are specific to certain types of animals (including service and police dogs, horses, and other livestock), while others cover all other animals. Below, we’ve summarized Michigan's laws prohibiting animal abuse, cruelty, neglect, and fighting.
What Are the Penalties for Animal Abuse in Michigan?
You can be charged with a felony in Michigan if you:
- intentionally kill or torture an animal
- do something reckless when you know or should know that an animal will die or be tortured as a result
- threaten to kill or torture an animal in order to exert control over another person or make that person suffer mentally, or
- poison an animal on purpose.
Penalties for torturing or killing an animal vary, depending on the circumstances and whether the animal was a pet. Anyone found guilty of torturing or killing a companion animal in order to control or terrorize someone—for instance, in cases of animal cruelty as a form of domestic violence—can face up to 10 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and 500 hours of community service.
The judge can also:
- order the defendant to pay all veterinary bills and the costs of housing and caring for the animal
- require the defendant to undergo psychiatric counseling, and
- prohibit the defendant from owning or possessing an animal for a set period of time or permanently.
(Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.50b (2023).)
What Are the Penalties for Animal Cruelty and Neglect in Michigan?
Michigan also outlaws various forms of animal cruelty and neglect, including:
- allowing an animal to suffer unnecessary neglect, torture, or pain through negligence
- neglecting an animal by failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, sanitary conditions, exercise, and veterinary care
- cruelly overworking or beating an animal
- tethering a dog with a rope or chain that’s too short (except when the animal is being groomed, trained, transported, or used in an event that required a short tether for safety), and
- abandoning an animal.
Anyone who owns or has custody of an animal—including a pet shop owner or breeder—can be charged with a misdemeanor for these forms of mistreatment, with stepped-up penalties when more animals are involved. However, you can face felony charges if you had a prior conviction and the crime involves four or more animals.
Similar to animal abuse convictions, a judge can order the defendant to undergo counseling and pay for the animal’s costs of care. For repeat offenders, the judge can prohibit the defendant from owning or possessing an animal.
(Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.50 (2023).)
Does Michigan Have Exceptions to Animal Cruelty Laws?
Michigan’s animal cruelty laws don’t apply to the legal killing or use of animals for certain purposes, including:
- scientific research
- legal hunting, fishing, trapping, or wildlife control
- pest control, or
- normal farming practices.
(Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 750.50, 750.50b (2023).)
Are Dogfights and Other Organized Animal Fights Illegal in Michigan?
Yes, it’s a felony in Michigan to participate in organized animal fighting in various ways, including being present at the preparations or the fight itself. Penalties include up to four years in prison, fines, and community service hours. A judge can also prohibit a convicted defendant from owning or possessing another animal of the same species for up to five years.
(Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.49 (2023).)
When Is Animal Control Allowed to Take My Pet in Michigan?
The law requires a police officer or animal control officer to seize any animal that has been abused, neglected, or mistreated in violation of the laws discussed above, including animals used in fights. The law spells out procedures and hearing requirements when authorities impound these animals.
(Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 750.53, 750.55 (2023).)
Speaking With a Lawyer
If you’ve been accused of animal cruelty—or you’re worried about possible charges—it’s a good idea to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney experienced in this area should be able to explain relevant state laws, how local authorities tend to interpret those laws, and ordinances in your local community that may apply to your situation.