CONFINEMENT OF LIVESTOCK H.B. 5127 (S-2): FLOOR SUMMARY
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House Bill 5127 (Substitute S-2 as reported)
Sponsor: Representative Mike Simpson
House Committee: Agriculture
Senate Committee: Agriculture and Bioeconomy

CONTENT
The bill would amend the Animal Industry Act to prohibit a farm owner or operator from tethering or confining any "covered animal" for all or the majority of any day in a manner that prevented the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending its limbs, or turning around freely.

("Covered animal" would mean any gestating sow, calf raised for veal, or egg-laying hen that is kept on a farm. "Egg-laying hen" would mean any female domesticated chicken, turkey, duck, goose, or guinea fowl kept for the purpose of egg production.)


The prohibition would not apply to a covered animal during scientific or agricultural research; examination, testing, or treatment, for veterinary purposes; transportation; rodeo exhibitions, State or county fair exhibitions, 4-H programs, and similar exhibitions; the slaughter of a covered animal in accordance with applicable State law and rules; or, in the case of a gestating sow, the period beginning seven days before the sow's expected date of giving birth.


The bill would not apply to veal calves until two years after its enactment date, and would not apply to egg-laying hens or gestating sows until 10 years after the enactment date.


The Department of Agriculture or the Attorney General could bring a civil action in circuit court to restrain, by temporary or permanent injunction, any act or practice in violation of the bill.


Proposed MCL 287.746 Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker

FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on the Departments of Agriculture and Attorney General. The Attorney General could have existing staff sufficient to police the animal care standards set by the bill, but according to the Department of Agriculture, the addition of one or two FTEs and a budget of $80,000 or so could be necessary to enforce the bill's provisions adequately.


Date Completed: 9-25-09 Fiscal Analyst: Bruce Baker

Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. hb5127/0910