MI SB1227

Requires courts to provide owners at least 28 days' notice before a dangerous animal hearing and must disclose all evidence, investigations, and exculpatory evidence to the owner before the hearing, with discovery permitted.

Changes the standard for animal destruction from mandatory ("shall") to discretionary ("may") when an animal is found to be dangerous by clear and convincing evidence that caused serious injury or death.

Allows courts to order compliance with protective measures instead of destruction, including tattooing or microchipping, escape-proof enclosure, sterilization, liability insurance, or other public safety measures.

Requires courts to notify the county animal control authority when an animal is found dangerous but not destroyed, and prohibits animal control or law enforcement officers from coercing or threatening owners to relinquish adjudicated dangerous animals.

Exempts owners from boarding costs if an animal is held by animal control and later exonerated at the hearing.