In the 1998 comedy film Half Baked, secondary character Kenny (played by Harland Williams) was arrested for accidentally killing a diabetic police horse on the side of the road by feeding it junk food. The main character Thurgood (played by Dave Chappelle) and...
Animal Law
What Are The Rules For Riding Horseback Or Driving An Animal-Powered Vehicle On The Road In Michigan?
Horses and animal-drawn vehicles predate motor vehicles by hundreds of years as the primary mode of transportation on public roads. Even though gasoline-powered cars and truck rule the road these days, it is still a likely occurrence to encounter horse-back...
What Are The Rules For Burying Dead Pets On Your Property In Michigan?
When a beloved pet dies, many people consider burying their pet’s body in their backyard. However, if you choose to dispose of your pet in this manner, you need to be aware of state and local laws and regulations governing animal carcasses. Failure to comply...
What Are The Rules For Killing Wild Swine In Michigan?
Wild swine on the loose in Michigan create huge problems for landowners and natural species alike. These feral pigs uproot crops, create mudholes, dig large trenches and holes, contaminate water sources and raiding nesting grounds for local bird species like...
What Are The Penalties For Failure To Provide Adequate Care For Your Animals (“Animal Neglect”) In Michigan?
Owning a pet or any other animal comes with the inherent responsibility to provide care and support to that animal. Neglecting to provide this care can cause the animal to suffer, become malnourished and even lead to death. It is not only immoral to neglect...
Does Michigan Have Dog Ownership Restrictions By Breed?
Not all dog breeds are treated equally in Michigan. For many people, dog breeds such as corgis, Yorkshire terriers and Cavalier King Charles spaniels are considered gentle, harmless and absolutely non-threatening to anyone. On the other hand, dog breeds such as German...
Are You Required To License Your Dog In Michigan?
Michigan dog owners are required by law to acquire and pay for licenses for each of their dogs annually. Did you know that failure to meet these requirements could result in a criminal misdemeanor conviction for the dog owner? The Dog Law of 1919 was originally passed...
Can You Get Pet Visitation After A Divorce In Michigan?
The relationship that people have with their pets is strong to the point that they are considered family members. The market for pet products is a multi billion-dollar industry (clothing, toys, medical care, food, etc.) and really shows that people tend to nurture and...
What Are The Penalties For Involvement In Animal Fighting In Michigan?
In March 2011, local law enforcement in Monroe County busted a dog-fighting ring at a private home in Raisinville Township and arrest nearly two dozen people. Almost everyone present in that location was charged with an animal fighting crime, whether it was as an...
What Are The Penalties For Animal Cruelty In Michigan?
On March 21, 2019, tougher criminal penalties regarding animal cruelty became effective in the State of Michigan. As a result, any person who unlawfully causes an animal to be killed, tortured and disfigured may be subjected to a felony conviction that can result in...
