Crimes: animals; forfeiture of animal victims of cruelty and fighting; modify. Amends secs. 49, 50 & 50b of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.49 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5876'24, HB 5877'24

This bill amends Michigan's animal cruelty laws to strengthen penalties for individuals who organize, promote, or participate in animal fighting, baiting, or shooting events. It directly affects anyone involved in these activities by increasing potential prison sentences, fines, and community service hours, while also imposing a five-year ban on owning animals of the same species for those convicted. The legislation mandates that animal control agencies sterilize seized fighting animals before adoption and requires detailed history disclosures to new owners. Additionally, the bill establishes stricter liability for owners if their trained fighting animals attack people, including enhanced penalties if the attack results in death or occurs without provocation.