Animal Protection Unit (APU)

Our mission is to protect and advocate for the rights of animals, and to build a humane community relationship that promotes compassion for these animals.

Since 2017, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has seen a 76% increase in the number of cases involving animal abuse. The office has also seen a rise in the severity of the abuse and in the number of animals being impacted by the abuse.

I want to:

What is animal abuse?

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The Michigan Legislature has designed three primary provisions related to cruelty to animals:

  • Intentional infliction of pain and suffering – carries severe penalties for animal cruelty.
  • Duty to provide care – initially a misdemeanor, which becomes a felony for a second or subsequent violation;
  • Anti-animal fighting – either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of conduct related to fighting (for example, being a spectator at a fight is a misdemeanor while organizing a fight is a felony).

Michigan anti-animal cruelty law also protects animals in work-related roles, such as guide dogs and police animals.

Chief Jacqueline Gartin
Email: Jacqueline.gartin@macombgov.org