Definitions; charge or custody of animal; breeder or owner of a pet shop; prohibited conduct; seizure by animal control agency; violation as misdemeanor or felony; penalty; psychiatric or psychological counseling; other violation of law arising out of same transaction; consecutive terms; order to pay restitution; order prohibiting owning or possessing animal for certain period of time; violation of subsection (9); revocation of probation; certain conduct not prohibited by section; notice and hearing requirements upon seizure of animal; security deposit or bond; authority to humanely euthanize; immunity.
MCL 750.50
in effect750.50. Definitions; charge or custody of animal; breeder or owner of a pet shop; prohibited conduct; seizure by animal control agency; violation as misdemeanor or felony; penalty; psychiatric or psychological counseling; other violation of law arising out of same transaction; consecutive terms; order to pay restitution; order prohibiting owning or possessing animal for certain period of time; violation of subsection (9); revocation of probation; certain conduct not prohibited by section; notice and hearing requirements upon seizure of animal; security deposit or bond; authority to humanely euthanize; immunity.
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 to maintain an animal in a state of good health.
(b) "Animal" means a vertebrate other than a human being.
(c) "Animal control agency" means an animal control shelter, an animal protection shelter, or a law enforcement agency.
(d) "Animal control shelter" and "animal protection shelter" mean those terms as defined in section 1 of 1969 PA 287, MCL 287.331.
(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 3 of the animal industry act, 1988 PA 466, MCL 287.703.
(h) "Neglect" means to fail to sufficiently and properly care for an animal to the extent that the animal's health is jeopardized.
(i) "Person" means an individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, association, governmental entity, or other legal entity.
(j) "Pet shop" means that term as defined in section 1 of 1969 PA 287, MCL 287.331.
(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) "Service animal" means all of the following:
(i) That term as defined in 28 CFR 36.104.
(ii) A miniature horse that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks as described in 28 CFR 36.104 for the benefit of a person with a disability.
(m) "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.
(n) "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.
(o) "Tethering" means the restraint and confinement of a dog by use of a chain, rope, or similar device.
(p) "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 on 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 on 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 the animal's 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 an animal that 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 the dog's nose to the base of the dog's 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.
(3) Except as provided in this subsection and subsection (22), an animal that is a victim of a violation of this section and was seized by an animal control agency pending the outcome of a criminal action that charges a violation of this section must not be returned to the owner or possessor of the animal if the owner or possessor is alleged to have violated this section. A seized animal must be taken to a local animal control agency or a local animal control agency's designee. A service animal that is a victim of a violation of this section may be seized by an animal control agency under this section at the animal control agency's discretion, taking into consideration the totality of the circumstances. If an animal owner or possessor is convicted of violating subsection (2), the court shall award the animal involved in the violation to the animal control agency for evaluation and disposition.
(4) A person that 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 the person 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, a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both.
(5) The court may order an individual 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 restitution, including, but not limited to, the costs of the investigation of the violation of this section, the costs of the prosecution, and the costs of the seizure, care, housing, veterinary medical care, and disposition of the animal victim, as applicable. The costs of the seizure, care, housing, veterinary medical care, and disposition of the animal victim should not be included in the sentence if they were previously paid by the defendant with a security deposit or bond as described in subsection (16), (18), (20), or (21). 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. As used in this subsection, "disposition of the animal victim" includes, but is not limited to, the transfer, euthanasia, or adoption of the animal.
(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 that 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 that 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, 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 that involves 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.
(14) An animal control agency taking custody of an animal under subsection (3) shall give notice not later than 72 hours after the seizure of the animal in person or 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, the animal control agency shall give notice not later than 72 hours after the seizure by 1 of the following methods:
(a) Posting at the location of the seizure.
(b) Delivery to an individual that resides at the location of the seizure.
(c) Registered mail to the location of the seizure.
(15) The notice required under subsection (14) 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 or under what animal control agency's authority 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 from the court with jurisdiction over the alleged violation of subsection (2) on whether the requirement to post a security deposit or bond is justified, whether the cost associated with the security deposit or bond is fair and reasonable for the care of and provision for the seized animal as the costs are described under subsection (8), or both.
(e) A statement that the owner or possessor of the animal is responsible for all costs described in subsection (8), unless the court determines that the seizure of the animal was not substantially justified by law.
(16) A request for a hearing within 14 days after the date on the notice prevents forfeiture of the animal until the court determines whether the requirement to post a security deposit or bond is justified, whether the amount of the security deposit or bond is fair and reasonable, or both. Notice of a request for a hearing under subsection (15) must be served on the animal control agency holding the animal before the expiration of the 14-day period described in subsection (15). A hearing on whether the requirement to post a security deposit or bond is justified, whether the amount of the security deposit or bond is fair and reasonable, or both, must be held not later than 21 days after the request for the hearing. The hearing is before a judge without a jury and 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 the burden, that the security deposit or bond is fair and reasonable, or both, 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 within 72 hours after the hearing. The court shall consider the owner's or possessor's ability to pay as part of the court's finding of whether the amount of the security deposit or bond is fair and reasonable. For the purpose of determining the owner's or possessor's ability to pay only, the court shall consider the owner's or possessor's employment status, employment history, and financial history. An owner's or possessor's failure to appear at a scheduled hearing requested under this subsection will result in automatic forfeiture of the animal to the animal control agency if the date of the scheduled hearing is more than 14 days after the date on the notice described in subsection (15). The testimony of a defendant at a hearing held under this subsection is only admissible against the defendant for the purpose of impeachment or in a criminal prosecution for perjury. The testimony of a defendant at a hearing held under this subsection does not waive the defendant's constitutional right against self-incrimination.
(17) An animal control agency that holds or requires to be held a seized animal under subsection (3) shall hold the animal for a period of 14 consecutive days, including weekends and holidays, beginning on the date notice was given under subsection (14). 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 subsections (15) and (18) or requested a hearing as described in subsection (16), the animal is forfeited, and the animal control agency may dispose of the animal by transfer to another animal control agency, humane euthanasia, or adoption.
(18) The security deposit or bond described in subsection (15)(d) must be in a sufficient amount to secure payment of all costs described in subsection (8) during a 30-day period after examination of the animal by a licensed veterinarian. The animal control agency shall determine the amount of the security deposit or bond not later than 72 hours after the seizure of the animal and shall make the amount of the security deposit or bond available to the owner or possessor of the animal on request. Unless the owner or possessor of the animal requests a hearing as described in subsection (16), the owner or possessor of the animal shall provide proof of the security deposit or bond to the animal control agency not later than 14 days after the date on the notice described in subsection (15).
(19) An animal control agency that holds or requires to be held a seized animal as provided in this section may draw on a security deposit or bond posted under subsection (16), (18), (20) or (21) to cover the actual reasonable costs incurred as described in subsection (8) from the date of the seizure to the date of the official disposition of the animal in the criminal action.
(20) If an animal is seized and is being held by an animal control agency or an animal control agency's designee pending the outcome of a criminal action charging a violation of this section and the process in subsections (14) to (18) was not utilized, 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 to forfeit the animal to the animal control agency before final disposition of the criminal charge. The prosecuting attorney shall serve a true copy of the summons and complaint on the defendant owner or possessor of the animal. On the filing of the civil action, the court shall set a hearing on the complaint. The hearing must be conducted not later than 21 days after the filing of the civil action. 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 occurred. If the court finds that the prosecuting attorney has met the burden and that the amount of the security deposit or bond necessary to prevent the forfeiture of the animal from the date of the seizure to 30 days after the date of the hearing is fair and reasonable based on costs described in subsection (8), the court shall order immediate forfeiture of the animal to the animal control agency unless the defendant owner or possessor, within 72 hours after the hearing, submits to the court clerk a security deposit or bond in a sufficient amount to secure payment of all costs described in subsection (8) after examination of the animal by a licensed veterinarian from the date of the seizure to the date of the hearing and for an additional period of 30 days. The court shall consider the owner's or possessor's ability to pay as part of the court's finding of whether the amount of the security deposit or bond is fair and reasonable. For the purpose of determining the owner's or possessor's ability to pay only, the court shall consider the owner's or possessor's employment status, employment history, and financial history. A defendant owner or possessor's failure to post a security deposit or bond within 72 hours after the hearing or the defendant owner or possessor's failure to appear at a scheduled hearing under this subsection will result in automatic forfeiture of the animal to the animal control agency. The testimony of a defendant at a hearing held under this subsection is only admissible against the defendant for the purpose of impeachment or in a criminal prosecution for perjury. The testimony of a defendant at a hearing held under this subsection does not waive the defendant's constitutional right against self-incrimination.
(21) If a security deposit or bond has been posted under subsection (16), (18), or (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 (8) 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.
(22) If the owner or possessor that posted a security deposit or bond under subsection (16), (18), (20), or (21) is found not guilty in the criminal action, the amount of the security deposit or bond posted to prevent disposition of the animal if unused for the animal cost of care and, subject to subsections (23), (24), and (25), the animal must be returned to the owner.
(23) If a security deposit or bond is posted by an owner or possessor of an animal under subsection (16), (18), (20), or (21) and the court determines that the animal lacks any useful purpose or poses a threat to public safety under subsection (25), the posting of the security deposit or bond does not prevent disposition of the animal.
(24) 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 regardless of whether a security deposit or bond has been posted under subsection (16), (18), (20), or (21).
(25) An animal control agency that receives an animal seized 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 the animal's lack of any useful purpose or the public safety threat it poses. The court shall hold a hearing not later 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. Costs described in subsection (8) that are incurred by an animal control agency, or by a person may, in the court's discretion, be assessed against the owner of the animal.
(26) An animal control agency is immune from civil liability for the lawful disposition of an animal under this section.
1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931; CL 1948, 750.50; Am. 1988, Act 204, Imd. Eff. June 29, 1988; Am. 1994, Act 334, Eff. Apr. 1, 1995; Am. 1996, Act 458, Eff. Mar. 31, 1997; Am. 1998, Act 405, Imd. Eff. Dec. 21, 1998; Am. 2007, Act 152, Eff. Apr. 1, 2008; Am. 2018, Act 452, Eff. Mar. 21, 2019; Am. 2019, Act 135, Eff. Feb. 19, 2020; Am. 2026, Act 87, Imd. Eff. July 27, 2026
[FormerLaw] See section 3 of Act 70 of 1877, being How., § 9393; CL 1897, § 11741; Act 321 of 1913; CL 1915, § 15537; and CL 1929, § 17068.
Source: Michigan Legislature (legislature.mi.gov)URL: https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-750-50Fetched: 10/20/2026