DOG LAW:  INCREASE FINES

House Bill 4802

Sponsor:  Rep. Eileen Kowall

Committee:  Agriculture

Complete to 4-28-10

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4802 AS INTRODUCED 4-21-09

The Dog Law of 1919 imposes certain obligations on the part of dog owners, kennel owners, state and local governmental officials, and law enforcement officials.  In addition, the Dog Law also allows someone whose livestock or poultry was damaged or killed by a dog to submit a claim to the township supervisor.

Any person, including a police officer, who violates or fails or refuses to comply with any provision of the Dog Law is guilty of a misdemeanor.  Someone who knowingly presents a false claim or receives money on a false claim is also guilty of a misdemeanor. 

House Bill 4802 would amend the applicable penalties for violations of the Dog Law, including submissions of a false claim, by increasing the maximum fine from $100 to $500.  All fines collected under the Dog Law are paid to county treasurers to be credited to the county's library fund.

[Note:  Section 26b of the Dog Law, MCL 287.286b, makes it a misdemeanor to steal, confine, or secrete any dog unless this was justifiable to protect a person, property, or a game animal.   The maximum fine for violating that section is $100.  As written, the bill would not change this.] 

FISCAL IMPACT:

A fiscal analysis is in process.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane          

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.