MI HB5987

Prohibits farm owners from tethering or confining gestating sows, calves raised for veal, or egg-laying hens in a manner that prevents them from lying down, standing up, fully extending their limbs, or turning around freely for all or the majority of any day.

Exempts covered animals from the confinement restrictions during scientific research, veterinary treatment, transportation, rodeo and fair exhibitions, slaughter, and for gestating sows during the 7 days before giving birth.

Delays application of restrictions until October 1, 2012 for calves raised for veal, October 12, 2025 for egg-laying hens, and April 1, 2020 for gestating sows.

Establishes a Livestock Care Standards Board within the Department of Agriculture to promulgate rules setting care standards and enclosure sizes for livestock by October 1, 2019, utilizing sound science principles.

Allows the Department of Agriculture or Attorney General to seek civil injunctions against violations; excludes customary animal husbandry practices as a defense and exempts violations from criminal penalties under section 44 of the animal industry act.