I've been researching Michigans Laws regarding the ethical treatment of animals, and have been able to locate the definitions of animal cruelty on a misdemeanor offence and a felony offence. They are as follows: 'Animal Cruelty is defined as: "Fail to provide an animal with adequate care; Cruelly drive, work, or beat an animal. Carry or cause to be carried in or upon a vehicle or otherwise any live animal having the feet or legs tied together. Carry or cause to be carried a live animal in or upon a vehicle or otherwise without providing a secure space, rack, car, crate, or cage in which all animals may stand, turn around, and lie down during transportation, or while awaiting slaughter. Abandon an animal or cause an animal to be abandoned, in any place, without making provisions for the animal's adequate care, unless premises are temporarily vacated for the protection of human life during a disaster. Willfully or negligently allow any animal, including one who is aged, diseased, maimed, hopelessly sick, disabled, or nonambulatory to suffer unnecessary neglect, torture, or pain. Tether a dog unless the tether is at least 3 times the length of the dog as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail and is attached to a harness or nonchoke collar designed for tethering." The first offense of such is a Misdemeanor with a fine up to $1000 and/or imprisonment up to 93 days and/or community service for not more than 200 hours. The second offense of such is a Felony with a fine up to $2000 and/or imprisonment up to 2 years and/or community service for not more than 300 hours. The third or subsequent offence of such is a Felony with a fine up to $5000 and/or imprisonment up to 4 years and/or community service for not more than 500 hours. In all of the above, the convicted shall pay for the prosecution of his case and may be required to forfeit the animal(s) in his charge and may prohibit the ownership of animals for a period of time or permanently for a second conviction. Exemptions are made for fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife control, horse racing, operation of a zoological park or aquarium, pest or rodent control, farming, husbandry, and research.

Malicious Animal Cruelty is defined as: "willfully, maliciously and without just cause or excuse kills, tortures, mutilates, maims, or disfigures an animal or who willfully and maliciously and without just cause or excuse administers poison to an animal, or exposes an animal to any poisonous substance." This is a Felony with a fine up to $5000 and/or imprisonment up to 4 years and/or community service for not more than 500 hours. In addition, the convicted may be required to pay for his prosecution, the cost of care of the animal victim, psychological evaluation and treatment, and may be prohibited from owning domestic animals. Exemptions are made for fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife control, pest or rodent control, and research.' (Source http://www.straypetadvocacy.org/cruelty_law_al-mt.html)

Also cited with the addresses: http://michiganlegislature.org/mileg.asp?page=getObject&objName=mcl-750-50&highlight=
Michigan Penal Code 750.50 � Animal Abuse

http://michiganlegislature.org/mileg.asp?page=getObject&objName=mcl-750-50b&highlight=
Michigan Penal Code 750.50b � Maliciously killing or injuring

Considering this facility is operated and owned by the city of Southgate, of which I am a resident, I am embarrased to claim this facility as our own. To even have the possibility that a city operated business can come under fire for misdemeanor or felony offences, as stated by the comments below, is horrifying to think about, especially considering that these operators of this shelter are responsible for the lives and safety of these animals. They are responsible for life. This cannot go on being ignored. Michigan law, if it does not prove a conviction, at the VERY least, it proves the need for an investigation. At the very least.

In response to this post, I must say my experience in dealing with this shelter and its animal control officer are very different than the experience this individual reportedly has had.

In the last year the shelter has started to let volunteers in on a full time basis. This shelter has improved dramatically in terms of the atmosphere, supplies being donated and the number of animals being cared for. Many cities do not have a shelter at all and animal control issues are either handled by the police department or are combined with another city, making their shelters even more cramped, over-extended and under staffed.

Many people use pounds and shelters as dumping grounds where they abandon their no longer wanted pets. The city is required to take them, as well as the strays that the animal control officer picks up on a daily basis. The animal control officer also handles vicious dog complaints, dog bite complaints, neglect reports and even wildlife issues. This shelter, in my experience with bringing in several stray animals, has always done its best to care for and re-home, and even find the owners of these animals. This is not an easy job but thankfully this small, under-funded shelter does very well considering what they face on a daily basis. Also, let's keep in mind that two years in a row now they have hosted a low cost vaccination clinic where anyone can bring their dogs and cats to get affordable, life-saving vaccinations and licenses.

I hope this will help people become more aware of the importance of caring for, vaccinating and spaying/neutering their pets so that they do not end up in shelters at all.