Sec. 17.

(1) A person shall not release or allow the release of any cervidae species from a cervidae livestock facility. This section does not prohibit the sale, breeding, marketing, exhibition, or other approved uses of cervidae species in the manner provided for by law. An animal that escapes from a facility is considered to be public property if the operator of a cervidae livestock facility does not notify the department in compliance with the standards established under this act.

(2) An owner shall not abandon a registered cervidae livestock facility without first notifying the department and the Michigan department of agriculture in compliance with the standards established under this act.

(3) A person shall not intentionally or knowingly do either or both of the following:

(a) Cause the ingress of free-ranging cervidae species into a registered cervidae livestock facility.

(b) Release or allow the release of any cervidae species from a cervidae livestock facility.

(4) A person violating subsection (1) is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $300.00 or imprisonment of not more than 90 days, or both, for a first offense and is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both, for a second or subsequent offense.

(5) A person intentionally or knowingly violating subsection (3) or violating subsection (2) is guilty of a felony.

History: 2000, Act 190, Eff. June 1, 2001 ;-- Am. 2006, Act 561, Imd. Eff. Dec. 29, 2006 Compiler's Notes: For transfer of certain powers and duties under the cervidae act from the department of agriculture, or its director, to the department of natural resources by type II transfer, see E.R.O. No. 2004-2, compiled at MCL 287.981.