MI SB0496

Adds new prohibition against leaving or confining an animal in an unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the animal's health or well-being, including heat, cold, lack of ventilation, food, or water.

Creates tiered penalties for violations of animal cruelty laws: misdemeanor for single animal (up to 93 days imprisonment and $1,000 fine); misdemeanor for 2-3 animals or death (up to 1 year and $2,000 fine); felony for 4-9 animals or one prior conviction (up to 2 years and $2,000 fine); felony for 10+ animals or two prior convictions (up to 4 years and $5,000 fine).

Establishes separate penalties for leaving animals in vehicles: misdemeanor for first offense (up to 45 days or $350 fine); misdemeanor for subsequent offenses (up to 90 days or $500 fine); misdemeanor for serious physical harm (up to 1 year or $1,000 fine); felony for death of animal (up to 5 years or $5,000 fine).

Allows courts to order defendants convicted of animal cruelty to undergo psychiatric or psychological evaluation and counseling at defendant's expense, and to pay costs of animal care during legal proceedings.

Permits courts to prohibit convicted individuals from owning or possessing animals during probation, or permanently for second or subsequent convictions; violation of such orders may result in probation revocation or contempt charges (up to 90 days or $500 fine).