The State of Michigan requires all dogs over 4 months to be current with a rabies vaccine and to have a Michigan dog license. There are no laws in Michigan regarding cat ownership. However, abuse and neglect of any domestic animal is subject to criminal prosecution.

By law, you are considered the owner of a pet if you have possessed, housed and cared for, or been in charge of a pet’s care for more than 7 days. This does not apply to people caring for, or attempting to care for wild or feral animals. Wild or feral animals are not "owned" by the caretaker.

At minimum, every animal should be provided with:

• Food, water and shelter, available at all times if the animal is kept outside
• If the dog is tied outside, the tie must be at least three times the length of the dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail
• Every animal must have appropriate veterinary care

Michigan Criminal Code 750.50 outlines crimes against animals. Listed are some key, simplified points of the code. The below is for educational purposes only:

• Adequate Care - provides sufficient food, water, shelter, sanitary conditions, exercise, and veterinary medical attention in order to maintain an animal in a state of health
• Neglect - fail to sufficiently and properly care for an animal to the extent that the animal's health is jeopardized
• Sanitary Conditions - provides space free from health hazards including excessive animal waste, overcrowding of animals, or other conditions that endanger the animal's health
• Shelter - provides adequate protection from the elements and weather conditions suitable for the age, species, and physical condition of the animal so as to maintain the animal in a state of good health. Shelter for livestock, includes structures or natural features such as trees or topography. Shelter for a dog, includes a doghouse that is an enclosed structure with a roof and of appropriate dimensions for the breed and size of the dog. The doghouse shall have dry bedding when the temperature is or is predicted to drop below freezing.
• State of Good Health - freedom from disease and illness and in a condition of proper body weight and temperature for the age and species of the animal
• Water - provided where it is suitable for the age and species of the animal and is made regularly available

The person can be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by one or more of the following; a fine, imprisonment, or community service and may be ordered to pay the costs of prosecution.

Please see our page on How to File a Complaint.

Please contact us and talk to staff about your complaint. They will advise and send an officer if needed. If there is an animal emergency—an animal attacking a person or a pet that is in immediate danger, please call 911.

Please have the address where the offense has occurred. An officer needs to make sure they are the right home or location.