Michigan Animal Protection Laws

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Under Michigan law, anyone who owns or cares for an animal must not:

• Fail to provide proper food, water, shelter, and veterinary care.

• Abuse, overwork, or otherwise treat an animal in a cruel or inhumane manner.

• Participate in or promote dogfighting.

• Tie or bind an animal’s legs or feet together.

• Transport an animal in a crate or vehicle where it cannot comfortably stand, turn around, or lie down.

• Abandon an animal without arranging for appropriate care.

• Allow an animal—especially one that is elderly, sick, or injured—to suffer from unnecessary pain, neglect, or lack of medical attention.

• Use a tether that is less than three times the animal’s body length.

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Detroit ordinance: In addition, Detroit prohibits tethering a dog for more than three consecutive hours.