SB 1232 Summary

• Expands Michigan's dangerous animals act to establish separate categories for "potentially dangerous dogs" and "dangerous dogs" with distinct legal definitions and requirements.

• Requires owners of potentially dangerous dogs to sterilize and vaccinate the dog, obtain a license, provide written notice to postal service and utility companies, and keep the dog securely confined or restrained on a leash when outside.

• Requires owners of dangerous dogs to obtain a dangerous dog registration certificate and tag (minimum fee $100), maintain liability insurance of at least $100,000 or a surety bond, and keep the dog muzzled and on a leash when outside the owner's property.

• Establishes criminal penalties for violations including felony charges (up to 4 years imprisonment and $2,000 fine) for owner non-compliance or attacks by a previously adjudicated dangerous animal.

• Mandates animal control departments maintain registries of potentially dangerous dogs for 5 years and allows courts to prohibit owners from possessing dogs for up to 3 years if a dangerous dog poses significant threat to public safety.