HB 5061 Summary

• Expands the definition of "animal" in adoption law from dogs, cats, and ferrets to all vertebrates except humans, livestock, and rodents.

• Adds "animal abuse offense" definition encompassing violations of Michigan Penal Code sections 49, 50, 50a, 50b, 50c, and 158 (crime against nature with an animal), plus local ordinance equivalents and attempts/conspiracies.

• Permits animal control and animal protection shelters to consider an individual's criminal history when deciding whether to allow adoption of an animal.

• Prohibits shelters from allowing individuals convicted of animal abuse offenses to adopt animals unless at least 5 years have elapsed since the conviction date.

• Allows shelters to deny adoption to individuals charged with animal abuse offenses who enter guilty pleas to other crimes in exchange for dismissal of the animal abuse charge.