The Great Lakes State Makes a Great Statement for Animals

©Hilary Schwab

Thanks to Representative Espinoza's new law, animals in Michigan have stronger protection from abuse.

By Ariana Huemer

Earlier in 2007, a Buel township couple was arrested and convicted of animal cruelty in the starvation of more than 70 animals, many of whom died.

Appalled the the duo received a slap on the wrist at sentencing, Michigan State Representative John Espinoza introduced two bills to increase the penalties for animal cruelty.

On Dec. 20, 2007, Representative Espinoza's efforts paid off when Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm signed into law both bills. H.B. 4550 and 4551 create felony-level penalties in neglect cases for those who have prior convictions of animal cruelty and for those who are convicted of abusing multiple animals, respectively.

"This legislation provides much needed justice for neglected, abused and abandoned animals in our communities," said Cal Morgan, President and CEO of the Michigan Humane Society. "These bills will strengthen our critical work throughout the state to break the cycle of violence towards animals. It's clear—animals in Michigan will benefit and we applaud Representative Espinoza for his efforts."

The Michigan Humane Society was the main driving force behind the passage of the new law.

The elevated penalties go into effect on April 1, 2008. Had they been in effect when authorities found the 70-plus dead and dying animals on the Buel township property earlier this year, the perpetrators would have been eligible for felony charges, punishable by up to four years per animal.

"Legislative changes like this will make the problem of animal cruelty more visible," Espinoza said. "Whatever we can do to educate people on this problem and protect animals from harm is the right thing to do."

Ariana Huemer is cruelty case manager for The Humane Society of the United States.

Related Links

Animal Cruelty

Animal Cruelty Laws: Where Does Your State Stand?

Justice Denied: Why Animal Cruelty Laws Sometimes Fail

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