Bills to prevent animal abuse headed to state House floor
By Jake Neher
Legislation meant to crack down on animal abuse in Michigan is one step closer to becoming law.
A state House panel approved bills Thursday that would ban convicted animal abusers from adopting an animal for five years. The legislation would also give animal shelters free access to a state database they could use to run background checks.
State Rep. Harvey Santana, D-Detroit, is spearheading the effort in the House.
"It just says, for the state of Michigan, we are a leader in the nation when it comes to how we approach the humanity of dealing with animals," said Santana.
The legislation now goes to the full state House.