Legislation on Animal Cruelty Reforms Before Lawmakers in Lansing

LANSING, MI (WHTC) – A four-bill package is in the state Senate that aims to crack down on animal cruelty. It would give shelters and control organizations free access to the state police Internet Criminal History Access Tool for background checks of potential pet owners; prohibit those convicted of animal abuse crimes from owning an animal for five years after their arrest; and set up a first, second and third-degree tier system. Animal breeders have expressed concern about the bills’ possible impact on their businesses.