Sec. 6.

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

(a) Is sufficiently secure to prevent the large carnivore's escape and protect the large carnivore 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 large carnivore's escape and to protect the large carnivore from injury.

(c) Has an entrance with a lock that is kept locked at all times when the large carnivore 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 that species of large carnivore.

(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 large carnivore.

(f) Has a floor area that meets or exceeds the minimum standards for housing as prescribed under the animal welfare act, Public Law 89-544, 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2147, 2149 and 2151 to 2159, and regulations promulgated under that act.

(2) The owner of a large carnivore may, on a permanent or temporary basis, keep the large carnivore in the person's dwelling and not in a facility if the large carnivore is under the supervision of a person 21 years of age or older.

(3) The owner of a large carnivore may take the large carnivore outdoors if the owner of the large carnivore holds the large carnivore under control on a secure leash that is not more than 6 feet long and either or both of the following apply:

(a) The large carnivore is within a securely fenced area.

(b) The large carnivore is being moved between any 2 of the following:

(i) The large carnivore's facility.

(ii) The dwelling of the owner of the large carnivore, 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 large carnivore may be kept in a shift cage while the large carnivore's facility is being cleaned. The shift cage shall be of a size appropriate for the large carnivore and of a construction adequate to safely contain the large carnivore.

(5) The owner of a large carnivore shall do all of the following:

(a) Present a permit for the large carnivore upon the request of a law enforcement officer.

(b) Post and maintain signs on property on which a large carnivore is kept stating "A potentially dangerous large carnivore 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 large carnivore'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 large carnivore's facility is located.

(iii) On each side of the large carnivore's facility, unless the facility is located in a residence or other building.

(c) Clean any swimming or wading pools for the large carnivore as needed to ensure sufficiently sanitary water quality.

(d) Provide adequate drainage of surface water from the facility.

(e) Not place the large carnivore under the supervision of a person less than 21 years of age.

(f) Not mistreat or neglect the large carnivore or permit it to be mistreated or neglected.

(g) Ensure that the conditions in which the large carnivore is kept, including, but not limited to, the following, are safe and conducive to the large carnivore's physical health and comfort and promote normal behavior:

(i) Temperature.

(ii) Ventilation.

(iii) Humidity.

(iv) Drainage.

(v) Sanitation.

(vi) Diet.

(vii) Exercise.

(h) Provide the large carnivore with potable drinking water at least twice daily in a clean, accessible container, unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian.

(i) Provide the large carnivore with food that meets all of the following requirements:

(i) Is nutritious.

(ii) Is of sufficient quantity to maintain or restore health and normal body weight.

(iii) Is not spoiled or contaminated with insects, fecal material, or any other substance that may cause the food to be unpalatable, that may decrease the nutritiousness of the food, or that may pose a health risk to the large carnivore.

(j) Remove fecal and food wastes from the facility daily and store or dispose of the wastes in a manner that prevents noxious odors, insect pests, or risks to human or animal health or the environment. Hard floors shall be scrubbed and disinfected weekly. Large facilities with dirt floors shall be raked every day and the raked waste removed every day.

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

(l) When the large carnivore 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 274, Imd. Eff. July 7, 2000