MI HB5778

Establishes a breeding license system for large carnivores (lions, tigers, leopards, bears, jaguars, cougars, panthers, cheetahs) that permits qualified facilities to breed up to 2 species if they meet specific requirements including USDA Class C licensure and prohibition on direct patron contact.

Requires breeding license applicants to pay $2,500 fee and submit documentation of USDA compliance, facility standards, and emergency protocols; limits department approval to 10 new breeding licenses per calendar year with 90-day review period.

Mandates breeding license holders maintain comprehensive animal care standards including 24-hour veterinary availability, security systems, climate control, behavioral enrichment, written breeding programs focused on threatened/endangered species, and conservation action plans.

Prohibits breeding license holders from selling large carnivores to unqualified persons, animal auctions, hunting operations, or using animals for food, fur, pelts, or body parts; requires succession and contingency plans plus liability insurance.

Allows existing Class C facilities that possessed bears before March 26, 2013 to continue breeding up to 4 black bear sows annually and permit limited patron contact with bears under 36 weeks old or weighing 90 pounds or less; takes effect 90 days after enactment.