REPEAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING HORSES AND

MULES THAT ARE UNFIT TO WORK

House Bill 5775 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Roger Hauck

Committee:  Oversight

Complete to 5-2-18

SUMMARY:

House Bill 5775 would repeal Section 59 of the Michigan Penal Code, which makes it a misdemeanor to sell a horse or mule that because of disease or injury is permanently unfit to work, unless the sale is to an institution or entity that will humanely keep, treat, or kill it. The section also prohibits leading, driving, or riding such a horse or mule on a public way, unless it is going to where it will be humanely kept, treated, or killed.

Section 59 is part of the animal anticruelty chapter of the criminal statutes.

MCL 750.59 (repealed)

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 5775 most likely would not have any fiscal impact on the state or on local units of government. The number of people who actually have been convicted of disposing of and using animals permanently unfit for work is not known, but is assumed to be minimal to none. If anyone is still being prosecuted under MCL 750.59 for conduct for which no other suitable provision exists under which to charge him or her, the bill would result in a decrease in costs for the state and for local units of government. Reduced misdemeanor charges would result in reduced costs related to county jails and/or local misdemeanor probation supervision.   

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

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