Sec. 6.

(1) A wolf-dog cross shall not be tethered outdoors, such as on a leash or chain, or allowed to run at-large. Except as otherwise provided in this section or section 7, a wolf-dog cross shall be constantly kept in a facility that meets all of the following requirements:

(a) Is sufficiently secure to prevent the wolf-dog cross's escape and protect the wolf-dog cross from injury.

(b) Is constructed of cement blocks, bricks, concrete, chain link fence, wires, or bars of a suitable thickness, gauge, or diameter to prevent the wolf-dog cross's escape and to protect the wolf-dog cross from injury.

(c) Has an entrance with a lock that is kept locked at all times when the wolf-dog cross is kept in the facility.

(d) Is well-braced and securely anchored at ground level or, if the facility is located in a residence or other building, at floor level and utilizes metal clamps, ties, or braces of a strength sufficient for cage construction for the wolf-dog cross.

(e) Is enclosed within a secondary fence that is located at least 3 feet outside of the walls of the facility and is adequate to prevent a human from coming into contact with the wolf-dog cross.

(f) Has a floor area of at least 900 square feet, plus an additional 450 square feet for each wolf-dog cross in excess of 1 kept in the facility. A permitting agency may grant a variance allowing a reduced floor area upon a showing that the requirements of this subdivision impose a practical difficulty on the owner and that the reduced floor area is sufficient to maintain the wolf-dog cross in a good state of health.

(2) The owner or person temporarily in possession of a wolf-dog cross may keep the wolf-dog cross in the person's dwelling and not in a facility if the wolf-dog cross is under the supervision of a person 21 years of age or older.

(3) The owner or person temporarily in possession of a wolf-dog cross may take the wolf-dog cross outdoors if 1 of the following applies:

(a) The wolf-dog cross is being used to pull a sled and the person has the wolf-dog cross under control on a secure harness.

(b) The wolf-dog cross is being exercised by the person, and the person holds the wolf-dog cross under control on a secure leash that is not more than 6 feet long.

(c) The wolf-dog cross is being allowed to exercise in a fenced area on private property with the permission of the property owner and the owner of the wolf-dog cross or the person temporarily in possession of the wolf-dog cross is present.

(d) The person holds the wolf-dog cross under control on a secure leash that is not more than 6 feet long and the wolf-dog cross is being moved between any 2 of the following:

(i) A facility.

(ii) The dwelling of the person, pursuant to subsection (2).

(iii) A shift cage, pursuant to subsection (4).

(iv) A vehicle, pursuant to section 7.

(v) A veterinarian's office or veterinary hospital.

(4) A wolf-dog cross may be kept in a shift cage while the wolf-dog cross's facility is being cleaned. The shift cage shall be of a size appropriate for the wolf-dog cross and of a construction adequate to safely contain the wolf-dog cross.

(5) The owner or, except with respect to subdivisions (a) and (b), the person temporarily in possession of a wolf-dog cross shall do all of the following:

(a) Present a permit for the wolf-dog cross upon the request of a law enforcement officer.

(b) Post and maintain signs on property on which the wolf-dog cross is kept stating "A potentially dangerous wolf-dog cross is kept on this property.". Each sign shall utilize block letters at least 1/2 inch high. A sign shall be posted as follows:

(i) At each fence gate providing access to a residence on the property, providing access to a building in which the wolf-dog cross's facility is located, or providing access to the facility.

(ii) On the outside of each door providing access to a residence on the property or providing access to any building in which the wolf-dog cross's facility is located.

(iii) On each side of the wolf-dog cross's facility, unless the facility is located in a residence or other building.

(c) Not place the wolf-dog cross under the supervision of a person less than 21 years of age.

(d) Not mistreat or neglect the wolf-dog cross or permit it to be mistreated or neglected.

(e) Ensure that the conditions in which the wolf-dog cross is kept, including, but not limited to, the following, are safe and conducive to the wolf-dog cross's physical health and comfort and promote normal behavior:

(i) Temperature.

(ii) Ventilation.

(iii) Humidity.

(f) Provide the wolf-dog cross with sufficient food, water, shelter, sanitary conditions, and exercise to maintain the wolf-dog cross in a state of good health.

(g) Ensure that the wolf-dog cross receives from a veterinarian, at the owner's expense, an annual checkup, including vaccinations, and other necessary medical care. The owner of a wolf-dog cross shall maintain copies of the wolf-dog cross's veterinary records and present the records upon request of a law enforcement officer.

(h) When the wolf-dog cross dies, arrange to have the death certified in writing by a veterinarian, law enforcement officer, or the permitting agency. The veterinarian, law enforcement officer, or permitting agency shall submit the certification to the department within 20 business days after the death.

History: 2000, Act 246, Imd. Eff. June 29, 2000