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HB 6173

Animals: animal shelters; cross-references to 1969 PA 287 in Michigan penal code; update. Amends sec. 49 of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.49). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6167'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Erin Byrnes and 6 co-sponsors

HB 6173 broadens penalties and procedures to criminalize animal fighting, baiting, and related activities, imposes forfeiture and care costs, and tightens seizure and disposition r

bill electronically reproduced 07/03/2026
#animals:animalshelters #animals:other
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Bill Summary · HB 6173

Summary of HB 6173 (Michigan, 2025-2026)

Main purpose and intent

HB 6173 proposes amendments to Michigan’s Penal Code (1931 PA 328) to strengthen prohibitions and enforcement related to animal fighting and related activities. The bill updates cross-references to the state’s animal shelter definitions (as used in the 1969 PA 287 framework) and imposes broad criminal and civil consequences for individuals involved in fighting, baiting, or shooting animals, as well as for those facilitating such activities. It also enhances seizure, disposition, and potential forfeiture procedures for animals used or involved in fighting.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions:

    • Expands definitions of “animal” (vertebrate other than a human) and clarifies “animal control agency” to include shelters and law enforcement, tying these terms to licensing under 1969 PA 287.

  • Prohibited conduct (subsection 2):

    • Criminalizes ownership, possession, use, import/export, or sale of animals for fighting or baiting, and shows related intent (e.g., as a target for marksmanship).
    • Prohibits organizing, promoting, or financing such activities, renting venues, and being present at preparatory or actual exhibitions.
    • Prohibits breeding, buying, or selling animals known to be trained for fighting, with limited exceptions for agricultural contexts or for specific roles of animal control agencies and certain trained dogs.

  • Penalties (subsections 3-4):

    • Violations related to fighting/baiting activities carry felonies with substantial penalties (up to 4 years imprisonment; fines ranging from $1,000 to $50,000; 250-1,000 hours of community service).
    • Violations related to premises, venues, or related activities carry shorter felony penalties (up to 4 years; fines $1,000-$5,000; 250-500 hours of community service).

  • Forfeiture, costs, and court orders (subsections 5-7, 11-15):

    • Courts may order payment of prosecution and investigative costs, and housing/care costs for seized animals.
    • Courts must impose a 5-year prohibition on owning animals of the same species involved in the violation.
    • If an animal is seized and involved in fighting, it generally must be confiscated and taken to an animal control agency, with procedures for notice and potential hearings to address forfeiture and bonds.

  • Seizure, bonds, and hearings (subsections 16-22):

    • Seized animals are held for a 14-day period, with mechanisms for security deposits or bonds to prevent forfeiture while criminal proceedings unfold.
    • Detailed notice requirements and procedures for deposits/bonds, hearings, and potential forfeiture if conditions aren’t met.

  • Animal disposition and euthanasia (subsections 25-26):

    • Animal control agencies may euthanize if the animal is injured, lacks a useful purpose, or poses a public safety threat, subject to court processes and potential cost assessment against the owner.

  • Forfeiture framework (subsections 27-29):

    • Forfeiture of animals and related instruments/ funds follows the updated statutory framework, including handling and potential interest on seized money.

  • Exceptions and cross-references (subsection 30-31):

    • Specifies certain environmental or administrative acts that do not render the statute inapplicable and clarifies that the bill does not preclude other charges for related misconduct.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals and entities involved in animal fighting, baiting, or related activities.
  • Animal owners, trainers, or possessors whose animals are seized or implicated in fighting activities.
  • Animal control shelters and law enforcement agencies handling seized animals.
  • Prosecutors and courts enforcing penalties, bonds, and disposition orders.
  • Private security firms and organizations using animals for security purposes, as some exemptions apply.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill follows typical legislative timing: introduced July 3, 2026, referred to the Regulatory Reform Committee.
  • It includes detailed timelines for notice (within 72 hours of seizure; 14-day deposit/bond periods; 30-day periods for certain charges), hearing opportunities, and disposition of seized animals.
  • Enactment is contingent on companion bills (HB 6167 and related references) per the enacting section language.

Note: This summary focuses on the substantive provisions and potential impacts based on the bill text as introduced.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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