Justice Department Wins Court Order Against Michigan Pet Store in Animal Welfare Case

A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order against K&M Pets LLC, the operator of a pet store in Saginaw, Michigan, following allegations that the business repeatedly denied federal inspectors access to assess the condition of animals housed at its facility.

The order stems from a complaint filed by the United States Department of Justice, alleging violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The lawsuit claims the company refused to permit inspection of its premises, animals, and records by officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Alleged Violations of the Animal Welfare Act

According to court filings, K&M Pets LLC, which sells dogs and exotic animals and offers public animal encounters, is accused of engaging in a pattern of conduct designed to avoid compliance with federal animal welfare regulations.

Inspectors from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture, were reportedly denied access during multiple inspection attempts.

During a January visit, an APHIS inspector who was unable to complete a full inspection observed what were described as troubling conditions in publicly visible areas of the store. These included animals housed without visible water or shelter and a sloth allegedly exposed to severe winter drafts amid subzero Michigan temperatures.

Federal Officials Emphasize Enforcement

Deputy Principal Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division stated that licensed animal dealers and exhibitors are legally obligated to comply with federal standards and cannot evade oversight requirements designed to protect animal health and safety.

Tyler Clarkson, General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, highlighted the coordinated effort between the Justice Department and USDA to ensure effective enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act.

USDA referred the case to the Justice Department after raising concerns about potential conditions faced by animals at the facility.

Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation

The Justice Department filed its complaint for injunctive relief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on February 24, followed by a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction three days later. The court’s order now requires the business to permit federal inspectors to access its facilities to evaluate the health and well-being of animals in its possession.

The legal action follows a broader federal directive prioritizing enforcement of animal welfare laws and efforts to address alleged cruelty or neglect in regulated facilities.

The case is being investigated by USDA’s APHIS, with trial attorneys from the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division leading the litigation, in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.