MINIATURE GOATS IN NON-AGRICULTURAL AREAS

House Bill 5609

Sponsor:  Rep. Andy Schor

Committee:  Agriculture

Complete to 9-30-14

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5609 AS INTRODUCED 5-28-14

House Bill 5609 would amend the Dog Law of 1919 by adding Section 30a, which would allow a county board of commissioners to adopt an ordinance providing for the licensing and regulation of miniature goats not associated with a farm or farm operation.

The bill would define miniature goat as "those types of goats commonly known as pygmy, dwarf, and miniature goats."

The bill also would change the title of the act to the Pet Law (instead of the Dog Law of 1919).  The bill cites the definitions for "farm" and "farm operation" found in Section 2 of the Michigan Right to Farm Act, as found here:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(jmq1n4ffatmlmhutibvgqdih))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-286-472

MCL 287.261 and proposed 287.290a

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 5609 would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on county governments dependent on whether a county opted to adopt an ordinance providing for the licensing and regulation of miniature goats and, if so, whether the regulatory fees would be sufficient to offset the costs of administering, implementing, and enforcing such licensing and regulation.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Josh Roesner

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Paul Holland

■ 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.