Sometimes the answer is simple and common sense. Protect MI Pet will make 2 important changes to the Michigan Constitution, if approved, in November 2024. First, it will change the current law so when there is probable cause that an animal is being abused, the animal will be removed from the dangerous situation and re-homed with a loving family while the legal process continues. Second, Protect MI Pet calls for a registry of convicted animal abusers to be created and to be maintained by the state of Michigan, where it will be available to the public. The name and animal-related crimes of each offender will be on the registry for a period of time depending on the type and severity of crime. When someone is convicted of animal abuse, it is our duty to ensure they cannot do it again.

An analysis of data collected by the FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) shows that animal abuse is a strong predictor of domestic abuse and sexual violence, and a better predictor of sexual abuse than a history of homicide, arson, or weapon convictions. 

When we stem the violence against animals, we will help decrease domestic abuse too. Animal abusers are five times more likely to harm humans. Learn more about the research into animal cruelty as a precursor to other forms of violence here.

In Michigan today, animal owners can still unknowingly give a pet to someone who has been found guilty of a previous crime against animals. No responsible shelter, breeder, or animal owner wants to hand over an innocent pet to a convicted abuser. The registry is a solution that means accountability for offenders and protection for animals. Searching the registry would be quick, easy, and free.

Animals are considered property in Michigan, and can languish in shelters for years, waiting for their abusers to come to trial. The ballot provides specific protections that will ensure animals are removed from a dangerous situation even before a trial, and do not remain in danger during an extended legal process.

Automatic forfeiture of animals 22 days after probable cause found for charges relating to animal cruelty, fighting, and neglect.  The animal can then legally be placed in a safe and loving home. A person subject to registration shall not possess, own, transport, sell, purchase, carry, ship, receive, or handle a companion animal in Michigan until the expiration of 3 years after all of the following circumstances exist:

• The person has paid all fines imposed for the violation.
• The person has served all terms of imprisonment imposed for the violation.
• The person has successfully completed all conditions of probation or parole imposed for the violation.
• A person who possesses, owns, transports, sells, purchases, carries, ships, receives, or handles a companion animal (define in statute) in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 364 days or a fine of not more than $3,000.00, or both.

Animal abuse is a matter of life and death. For the animals and for humans as animal abuse is often a precursor to other forms of criminal violence. By going directly to the voters to approve a constitutional amendment, we all have a voice in ensuring Michigan leads the way nationally in protecting animals and can be sure the law we drafted becomes the law of the state. Finally, and most importantly, these animals cannot wait potentially for years in hopes of legislative justice. The time to act is now.

This ballot initiative is led by a broad coalition of professionals and concerned citizens that understand the direct connection between animal cruelty and violence. The first sponsor of this critical initiative is Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson. Throughout his 30+ year law enforcement career, Sheriff Swanson has seen thousands of animal abuse cases and witnessed first hand the devastating impact on the abused animals, their human loved ones and how this abuse often leads to violent crimes against other people. He believes that the Protect MI Pet Ballot Initiative can be a key tool to help law enforcement and every Michigander increase public and animal safety. Join with us and you can also be a part of Protect MI Pet by volunteering or by donating below.

Protect MI Pet Ballot Question Committee Members

Chris Swanson
Alena Clark
Betsy Felton
Adam Mizel
Brooke Tucker 
Jim Kietzner (News/Communication advisor)

Advisor to the Committee: Michigan Pet Alliance