(1) Subject to subsection (2), a person who violates this act is guilty of a misdemeanor. The person shall be punished by a fine of not less than $250.00 or more than $1,000.00, plus costs of prosecution. However, a person who fails to obtain a permit as required by this act shall be punished by a fine, for each large carnivore for which the permit was required, of not less than $500.00 or more than $2,000.00, plus costs of prosecution. In addition, a person who violates this act may be punished by 1 or more of the following:

    (a) Imprisonment for not more than 93 days.

    (b) Community service work for not more than 500 hours.

    (c) The loss of privileges to own or possess any animal.

    (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a law enforcement officer, veterinarian, or permitting agency with respect to the performance of the duties of a law enforcement officer, veterinarian, or permitting agency under this act.