Sec. 20.
(1) A law enforcement officer shall return a seized large carnivore to the owner of the large carnivore within 7 days after the occurrence of any of the following:
(a) The failure to issue a warrant against the owner of the large carnivore for committing a misdemeanor under section 15 or to file a complaint under section 16(3) within 10 days after the large carnivore is seized.
(b) The dismissal of charges against the owner of the large carnivore under section 15 or of a complaint under section 16(3), as applicable.
(c) The court's determination that an order for the large carnivore to be forfeited shall not be entered.
(d) The acquittal of the owner of the large carnivore of any charges under section 15.
(e) Entry of a court order under this act for the return of the large carnivore.
(2) If a large carnivore is returned under subsection (1), the law enforcement officer shall give written notice to the persons who received notice under section 18 that the large carnivore has been returned. The notice under this subsection shall be delivered in person or sent by certified mail. If the name and address of the person are not reasonably ascertainable or personal delivery of the notice cannot reasonably be accomplished, the notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the large carnivore was seized for 10 successive publishing days.
(3) If the court orders a large carnivore to be forfeited, the order of forfeiture shall direct that each large carnivore be transferred to a wildlife sanctuary approved by the association of sanctuaries, an animal protection shelter, or a zoo accredited by the American zoo and aquarium association, where the large carnivore will be safely and humanely cared for. However, subject to section 10, if the large carnivore killed or injured a human or an animal, the order of forfeiture may direct that the large carnivore be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian. An order of forfeiture shall also revoke any permit that may have been issued for the large carnivore under section 4 and order payment of costs under subsection (4). The forfeiture is a civil forfeiture.
(4) If a large carnivore is seized, the owner of the large carnivore is liable for the costs of placement and care for the large carnivore from the time of seizure until the time of return or forfeiture and, if a large carnivore is ordered to be forfeited and euthanized, for the costs of humanely euthanizing and disposing of the large carnivore. This subsection does not apply if the large carnivore is returned under subsection (1) or section 19.
History: 2000, Act 274, Imd. Eff. July 7, 2000