EUTHANASIA OF ANIMALS S.B. 403:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 403 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Marty Knollenberg
CONTENT
The bill would amend Public Act 287 of 1969, which regulates pet shops and animal shelters, to provide that, beginning 60 days after the bill's effective date, euthanasia of a dog or cat that was physically located in an animal control shelter could be performed only by administering an injection of a commercially prepared solution as provided in Section 7333 of the Public Health Code.
(Section 7333 allows an animal control shelter to acquire a limited permit to buy, possess, and administer a prepared, premixed solution of sodium pentobarbital to euthanize an injured, sick, homeless, or unwanted domestic pet or animal, provided certain conditions are met.)
The bill's requirements would not apply to a veterinarian licensed under Part 188 (Veterinary Medicine) of the Public Health Code.
The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.
Proposed MCL 287.338b Legislative Analyst: Jeff Mann
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government, as all animal control facilities in the State that would be affected by the bill already engage in the practice euthanasia by injection as the bill would require.
In addition, a violation of the Act is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days' imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of $500 (the "default" penalty under the Michigan Penal Code that applies to a misdemeanor for which no other penalty is established). An increase in misdemeanor arrests and convictions could increase resource demands on local court systems, law enforcement, and jails. Any associated increase in fine revenue would be dedicated to public libraries.
Date Completed: 5-25-16 Fiscal Analyst: Bruce Baker
Ryan Bergan
This 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.