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SB 657

Animals: care and treatment; restitution for care and treatment of certain forfeited animals; impose penalties upon owner. Amends sec. 50 of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.50).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Dayna Polehanki

Michigan bill allows courts to require animal cruelty offenders to pay restitution for seized animals' care costs and imposes penalties for non-compliance.

referred to second reading
#animals:careandtreatment #animals:dogs #animals:domestic #crimes:animals
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Bill Summary · SB 657

Legislative bill overview

SB 657 amends Michigan's animal cruelty statute to allow courts to order animal owners to pay restitution for the care and treatment costs of animals that have been forfeited (seized) due to neglect or abuse. The bill also establishes penalties for owners who fail to comply with these restitution orders.

Why is this important

Currently, when authorities seize neglected or abused animals, taxpayers and animal welfare organizations bear the full cost of veterinary care, food, and shelter during legal proceedings. This bill shifts some financial responsibility back to the owner, potentially creating a financial deterrent against animal cruelty while ensuring seized animals receive necessary care without draining public resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Debtor concerns: Owners facing criminal charges may lack resources to pay both fines/restitution and care costs, raising questions about proportional punishment and whether restitution is practical for low-income defendants
  • Care cost disputes: Disagreements may arise over what constitutes reasonable care expenses and whether courts have adequate mechanisms to verify costs claimed by animal welfare agencies
  • Timeline and accountability: Unclear how long owners remain liable for care costs and whether there are caps on total restitution amounts, potentially creating open-ended financial obligations

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

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