In 1995, over 100 neglected animals were seized from a farm in Nunica, Michigan, leading to a costly legal battle and a call for animals to have their own representation in court. A bill has been reintroduced in the House to allow attorneys and law students to act pro bono as advocates for animals in criminal animal abuse cases. The proposal would give judges discretion to appoint volunteer advocates to represent animals in court proceedings.
The bill would allow volunteer advocates to attend hearings, coordinate expert testimony, make recommendations for the animal’s placement, and present victim impact statements on behalf of animals. Law students enrolled in a clinical program could serve as volunteer advocates for credit, but would need to complete training with the State Bar of Michigan’s Animal Law Section. The proposal would grant judges final authority to approve or deny a request to appoint an advocate, with no opportunity for appeal.
Advocates for animals are pushing for changes in how the state handles cruelty cases, including harsher penalties for defendants and a requirement for judges to explain their reasoning if they deny a request for an advocate. The animal advocacy bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee, while a separate legislative proposal to recommend harsher penalties for defendants without prior felony animal abuse convictions will be introduced soon.
