The Criminal Defense Law Center of
West Michigan
Anyone facing animal cruelty charges in any West Michigan court can expect their case to make the local media. The case will be filled with inflammatory rhetoric and with calls for the accused to face extremely tough punishment.
Law enforcement agents love doing press releases when a person is charged with animal cruelty. When a person’s house is searched, animals are often removed. There are times when animal owners are held to a very high and unreasonable standard of care. Given how local law enforcement agents act sometimes, one would think owners are going to school to be a veterinarian and have the kind of unlimited resources that the government has.
You Only Have 14 Days to Save Your Pet from Forfeiture
Under the recently updated Senate Bills 293 and 294, Michigan has streamlined the process for the forfeiture of seized animals. If your animals were seized during a neglect or cruelty investigation in Grand Rapids or anywhere in West Michigan, you must request a hearing within 14 days to prevent permanent forfeiture. Shawn Haff acts fast to file the necessary motions, challenging the ‘cost-of-care’ bonds and fighting to keep your animals from being humanely euthanized or adopted out before you even have your day in court.
Decoding MCL 750.50b: Felony Animal Cruelty in Michigan
First-Degree (MCL 750.50b): Intentional killing or torture of a companion animal. This is a 10-year felony.
Second-Degree: Reckless actions that result in the death or torture of an animal. This is a 7-year felony.
Third-Degree: Threatening to kill or torture an animal to exert control over another person. This is a 4-year felony.
The Shawn Haff Defense: We investigate the “malice” requirement. In Michigan, the prosecution must prove you acted without “just cause.” We often find that what the police call “cruelty” was actually a tragic accident, a lack of financial resources, or a medical emergency beyond your control.
In Michigan, an animal cruelty investigation can move with terrifying speed, often resulting in the immediate seizure of your pets and a demand for thousands of dollars in “Cost-of-Care” bonds. Because the prosecution only needs to prove a “lack of adequate care” to potentially secure a conviction, you cannot afford to face these specialized charges alone. You must hire the best West Michigan attorney around Shawn Haff right away. Our firm moves with a professional sense of urgency to challenge illegal “plain view” searches and fight for the return of your animals. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor neglect charge or a high-stakes felony torture allegation, we provide the premier defense required to protect your rights and your reputation.
Protecting West Michigan Farmers and Livestock Owners
Grand Rapids is surrounded by agricultural communities in Ottawa, Allegan, and Ionia counties. Use this to capture rural search traffic.
“Not all animal deaths are crimes. Under the Michigan Right to Farm Act and the 2026 GAAMPs (Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices), farmers have specific legal protections for customary animal husbandry. If you are a livestock owner in West Michigan facing neglect charges, you need an attorney who understands the difference between criminal abuse and standard farming practices. Shawn Haff defends the rights of those who work the land.”
Can the police enter my property without a warrant to check on my dog? Generally, no. However, they often use the “Plain View” exception or “Exigent Circumstances.” We aggressively challenge illegal searches and seizures that violate your 4th Amendment rights.
What is a ‘Cost-of-Care’ bond? In 2026, Michigan courts can require you to pay for the housing and vet bills of your seized animal while the case is pending. If you fail to pay, you lose the animal. We fight to make these bonds fair and reasonable based on your financial history.
Is self-defense a valid reason for killing a dog? Yes. Michigan case law supports the right to protect yourself or your property from an attacking animal. If you were forced to defend yourself, Shawn Haff will ensure the jury understands the “just cause” behind your actions.
Under Michigan law, there are actions against animals that are considered cruelty and illegal. A person who owns an animal must treat the animal under their care appropriately. A person who owns an animal is not allowed to beat an animal. Tying an animal’s legs or feet during or while they are being transported is illegal. Animals that are being taken to the vet or to another house or farm must be secured in a cage that provides the animals with proper space.
Other acts that fall under animal cruelty include abandoning an animal and allowing an animal to deal with pain, neglect or torture. A dog is not allowed to be tethered if the tether is less than three times the length of the animal. The animal must also be attached to a harness or a collar that does not choke the animal.
Other prohibited acts include abandoning an animal except under extreme circumstances or negligently allowing animals to endure unnecessary torture, pain or neglect. Notably, dogs also cannot be tethered unless the tether is at least 3 times the length of the animal and attached to a non-choking collar or harness.
A charge for animal cruelty that deals with one animal is a misdemeanor that has a maximum of 93 days in jail. The maximum fine is $1,000.00 and community service of up to 300 hours. If the violation deals with two or three animals or there was a death of an animal, a person will face a misdemeanor that carries up to one year in jail. The maximum fine is $2,000.00 and community service can go up to 300 hours.
Cases of animal cruelty that deal with four to ten animals is a two-year felony charge. A person who is convicted for this crime can face up to $2,000.00 and community service of up to 300 hours. It is also a felony charge if the cruelty deals with more than 10 animals. This felony charge carries with it up to four years in prison. The maximum fine is $5,000.00 and community service of up to 500 hours.
Any person who knowingly kills, tortures, maims, disfigures or mutilates an animal will be facing animal torture charges. A person who does any of these acts will face a felony charge that carries with it four years in prison. Fives can reach up to $20,000. Community service can go up to 500 hours. A person can also be ordered to get a psychological evaluation and counseling.
If a person owns or possess a dog that engages in fighting, they are facing up to four years in prison and a $5,000.00 dollar fine. The same penalties apply for cock fighting or other animals that engage in fighting. There can be a fine of up to $50,000 and up to 1,000 hours of community service.
Michigan’s animal cruelty laws don’t apply to the legal killing or use of animals for certain purposes, including:
(Mich. Comp. Laws §§750.50, 750.50b (2019)
Many animal abuse charges come about because the animals are suffering from abusive condition, not physical abuse from the hand of the owner. An example of this is Michael Vick. He was a former NFL quarter back who was breeding dogs and training them to fight other animals. Another example are puppy mills, where people believe they are doing the right thing and love the animals they have been accused of abusing.
Shawn Haff will look at all the facts in these cases and guide our clients to seeking counseling designed to show them how to properly take care of the animals they love. We will gather experts to help our clients when it can help, and we will take on the prosecutor’s case head on!
Anyone who has been accused of engaging in animal cruelty needs to call Shawn at The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan. Shawn and his team of lawyers have the aggressive criminal defense lawyers needed to get you the best results possible. If you want to take your case to trial, we will fight for your acquittal. If you want to work out a plea deal, we will get you the best one possible. Besides our aggressive representation in court, we treat our clients with respect and give them the best customer service possible.
We know counselors that can provide our clients with the resources needed if they are facing mental health issues and we even know private investigators who can expertly gather more information needed to help you win your case.