(1) The owner of a large carnivore is liable in a civil action for the death or injury of a human and for property damage, including, but not limited to, the death or injury of another animal, caused by the large carnivore. This act does not limit the common law liability of the owner of a large carnivore for the death or injury of a human or for property damage caused by the large carnivore.
    (2) If a large carnivore escapes or is released, intentionally or unintentionally, the owner of the large carnivore shall immediately contact a law enforcement officer of the local unit where the escape or release occurred to report the loss, escape, or release. The owner of the large carnivore is liable for all expenses associated with efforts to recapture the large carnivore that is released or escapes.

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Terms Used In Michigan Laws 287.1112

  • Common law: The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States. It is based on judicial decisions rather than legislative action.
  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Large carnivore: means either of the following:
    (i) Any of the following cats of the Felidae family, whether wild or captive bred, including a hybrid cross with such a cat:
    (A) A lion. See Michigan Laws 287.1102
  • Law enforcement officer: means :
  •     (i) A sheriff or sheriff's deputy. See Michigan Laws 287.1102
  • Local unit: means a city, village, township, or county. See Michigan Laws 287.1102
  • Person: means an individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental entity, or other legal entity. See Michigan Laws 287.1102
  •     (3) The owner of the large carnivore may bring against a person who is responsible in whole or part for the escape or release of the large carnivore a civil action for damages, including, but not limited to, damages and expenses under subsections (1) and (2).