Michigan's animal cruelty law universally applies to hoarding situations involving inadequate care. Penalties escalate with the number of animals, and the state's anti-cruelty framework applies to all municipalities.
MCL 750.50 makes it a crime to fail to provide adequate care - including food, water, shelter, and sanitary conditions - to any animal. Penalties scale with animal count: misdemeanor for 1-3 animals, up to felony charges for 25 or more or for repeat offenses. MCL 750.50b addresses killing or torturing animals. Courts may order forfeiture, prohibit future ownership, and require psychological evaluation. The statute applies statewide and provides a baseline that local ordinances may supplement but not weaken.
Misdemeanor to 7-year felony under MCL 750.50 depending on animal count; mandatory forfeiture and ownership bans.
Sterling Heights, MI
Sterling Heights prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged a...
Sterling Heights, MI
Sterling Heights regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in...
Sterling Heights, MI
Sterling Heights regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street par...
Sterling Heights, MI
Sterling Heights requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching g...
Sterling Heights, MI
Sterling Heights requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Sterling Heights, MI
Sterling Heights may have wildfire hazard zones requiring defensible space around structures, fire-resistant building materials, and vegetation management.
See how Sterling Heights's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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