Michigan Court Case Summary  
         
        On March 18, 1996 District Judge Quinn E. Benson of the District Court (3-B) of
        the State of Michigan dismissed all charges against Edward Howard for violating
        St. Joseph County's ban on "wolf-hybrid type animals" (section XI of the St.
        Joseph County Animal Ordiance).  Mr Howard had been charged with keeping the
        animals (2) on his property.

        The following is a quote from the court records.
        "The Court finds that the Ordinance is unconstitutional because of vagueness. A
        reasonable person could not know what animal would fall within the definition
        of a "wild/exotic animal".  The Court further finds that the Ordinance is
        unconstitutional because it violates the Defendants Due Process Rights in that
        it does not provide for a hearing prior to confiscation and possible
        destruction of his animal."
        Mr Howard never surrendered his "wolf-hybrid type animals" to Animal Control
        so his dogs are still alive today.
         

        Back to Main Page