ANIMAL STERILIZATION - H.B. 4239 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS

House Bill 4239 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor: Representative Gerald Law

House Committee: Health Policy

Senate Committee: Agriculture and Forestry

CONTENT

The bill would amend Public Act 287 of 1969, which regulates pet shops, dog pounds, and animal shelters, to prohibit an animal control shelter or animal protection shelter from permitting the adoption of an unaltered dog, cat, or ferret by a person, unless that person had entered into a contract for the alteration of the dog, cat, or ferret, and left a good faith, refundable deposit of at least $25 with the shelter. Someone who breached a contract would be subject to damages of $100 or actual reasonable costs incurred by the shelter, whichever was greater. The bill specifies that it would not require the alteration of a dog, cat, or ferret being reclaimed from a shelter by its owner, unless required by local ordinance.

The bill would establish penalties for violations of the Act or a rule promulgated under it, including the suspension or revocation of a license or registration and/or the imposition of an administrative fine of up to $1,000 for each violation.

The bill would take effect January 1, 1998.

MCL 287.331 et al. - Legislative Analyst: L. Arasim

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have a minimal fiscal impact on the State for administration and assessment of fines.

Date Completed: 4-23-97 - Fiscal Analyst: A. Rich

floor\hb4239

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.