SB-0658 Summary

• Exempts animal control shelters, animal protection shelters, and licensed facilities from certain requirements of the Large Carnivore Act, including facilities licensed by Michigan DNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or holding USDA Class C licenses.

• Allows businesses presenting large carnivores for education or exhibition to operate without restrictions if they hold a Class C license and comply with 9 CFR standards for training, housing, care, and transport.

• Prohibits patrons from direct contact with large carnivores over 20 weeks of age and requires facilities to prevent close contact that could cause harm; exempts bears under 36 weeks old or weighing 90 pounds or less under specific grandfather provisions.

• Establishes comprehensive safety and welfare requirements for licensed facilities including emergency protocols, trained firearms teams where needed, security systems, veterinary care standards, and written policies for acquisition and disposition of animals.

• Requires facilities to participate in scientific breeding programs for threatened/endangered species, maintain conservation action plans with educational components, and comply with all local, state, federal, and international laws.