According to the Detroit Free Press, people trying to pass off pets as emotional support animals in order to avoid fees charged by landlords could be guilty of a misdemeanor under a bill that unanimously passed the House Regulatory Reform Committee this week.

Under the bill, both the person with the pet and any health care provider who provided a note without proof that the tenant had a disability that required an emotional support animal would be subject to the criminal charge, which would carry a sentence of 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.

To validate an emotional support animal, the health care provider would have to be practicing in Michigan for at least 180 days and have an office located in the state.

They also would have to provide a notarized letter saying they had been treating the pet owner for at least six months. Please click on the above link for more information.

 

 

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