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Michigan House Considers Animal Cruelty Legislation

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.