LANSING – The Michigan Legislature passed legislation this week introduced by State Representative Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) that increases fines and jail time for a person convicted of felony animal cruelty. The plan now heads to the Governor for her signature.
"My bill gives prosecutors around the state the tools they need to bring these offenders to justice," said Byrnes. "I applaud my colleagues in the Legislature for passing this important legislation."
In January 2006, a number of mutilated, dead dogs were discovered in Washtenaw County. In many cases, the animals were also decapitated. These reports led Rep. Byrnes to introduce this legislation during the last legislative session, and she has championed the issue ever since.
Under Byrnes' bill, anyone found guilty of the intentional killing, torture, mutilating, maiming or disfiguring an animal would face up to four years in prison and/or 500 hours of community service. This plan also allows a judge to order fines for up to 7 actions of cruelty arising out of the same incident and alters the fine structure to allow for $5,000 for the first animal abused, $2,500 for each additional animal, with a cap of $20,000.
It has been widely documented that instances of animal cruelty or neglect can be a precursor of violent behavior toward people. Studies have shown that felons convicted of violent crimes, including rape and murder, reported significant instances of animal cruelty or torture leading to the death of animals. This legislation was crafted in response to the inadequate penalties that convicted animal abusers currently face.
"Animal abuse continues to be a serious and widespread problem," said Tanya Hilgendorf, Executive Director for the Humane Society of Huron Valley. "Because there is a proven link between animal violence and human violence, taking animal cruelty more seriously will benefit both animals and people alike. We are deeply appreciative of the efforts of Rep. Byrnes and other Michigan lawmakers to stiffen the penalties for animal abuse and believe these laws will be helpful tools in our effort to create more compassionate and safe communities."