PROHIBIT PRIMATE PETS

House Bill 5762

Sponsor:  Rep. Andrew Kandrevas

Committee:  Agriculture

Complete to 3-23-10

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5762 AS INTRODUCED 1-21-10

The bill would amend the Penal Code to make it a misdemeanor to own or possess a nonhuman primate as a pet in Michigan. 

Penalties.  A violation would be punishable by (1) a fine of at least $250 but not more than $1,000, and/or (2) up to 93 days' imprisonment or 500 hours of community service. 

Exceptions.  It would not be unlawful for the following to own or possess a nonhuman primate as a pet: 

·                    A zoo or primate sanctuary accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

·                    An institution accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care.

·                    A veterinarian in the course of his or her occupation.

·                    A permitting agency in the course of its business or mission as a permitting agency.

Effective date.  The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment. 

MCL 750.70a

FISCAL IMPACT:

To the extent that misdemeanor convictions increased under the bill, local units of government could incur increased costs of jail incarceration or misdemeanor probation supervision, both of which vary with jurisdiction.  Any increase in penal fine revenues could benefit local libraries, which are the constitutionally-designated recipients of those revenues.

 

                                                                                           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.