HB 5808 Summary

• Amends Michigan Penal Code section 750.50b to add definitions for "animal control agency" and "animal control shelter" as new categories within animal cruelty laws.

• Establishes three-tiered felony structure for animal cruelty: first degree (up to 10 years imprisonment) when companion animal is intentionally harmed with intent to cause mental suffering; second degree (up to 7 years); third degree (up to 4 years), with maximum fines of $5,000 and up to 500 hours community service for each tier.

• Requires confiscated animals from cruelty cases to be forfeited to animal control agencies rather than returned to owners, with owner able to post bond within 14 days to prevent disposition during criminal proceedings.

• Authorizes courts to order defendants to pay investigation costs, veterinary care, housing, and animal disposition expenses (adoption, transfer, or euthanasia), with animal control agencies holding seized animals for minimum 14 days.

• Allows animal control agencies to seek court determination that a seized animal poses public safety threat or lacks useful purpose, permitting humane euthanasia regardless of whether bond was posted.