Michigan Equine Laws: GUIDE

Michigan is a powerhouse for rural living, horse ownership, and small-scale farming. Whether you own a few horses in the Upper Peninsula or keep a backyard flock alongside a trail horse in Grand Rapids, it’s essential to understand Michigan equine laws. These laws impact how you manage liability, land use, animal welfare, and even fencing—and are especially important if you’re raising both horses and chickens on the same property.

This comprehensive guide is designed for horse owners, hobby farmers, and homesteaders who want to confidently and legally manage a mixed-animal setup in Michigan.

Why Equine Laws Matter in Michigan

Michigan offers horse and poultry owners a lot of freedom, but the state enforces specific laws around:

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Liability protections
Zoning and land use
Animal welfare and cruelty prevention

Coggins testing and health requirements
Sales, fencing, and boarding guidelines

Whether you’re planning your first coop or upgrading a multi-acre horse property, use chickencoopcalculator.com to map out shelter, space, and fencing for both horses and chickens.

Michigan’s Equine Activity Liability Act

Are horse owners protected from lawsuits in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan protects horse owners through the Equine Activity Liability Act (MCL 691.1661 – 691.1677), which limits liability for injuries that happen due to the inherent risks of equine activities.

The law applies when:

A person is injured due to normal horse behavior (bucking, spooking, falling)

The horse owner or facility operator is not grossly negligent
Warning signs with exact statutory language are posted on the premises

Important: Without these warning signs, you lose legal protection. If you let people ride, train, or handle horses on your land—even casually—you must post the sign.

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Zoning Laws for Horses and Chickens in Michigan

Can you raise chickens and horses together legally in Michigan?

Yes—but only if your property is properly zoned. Michigan counties and townships regulate land use through local zoning codes, which vary widely between urban and rural areas.

You’ll want to check:

Whether your property is zoned agricultural, rural residential, or suburban

Minimum lot sizes and animal unit requirements
Setback rules for coops, barns, and fencing
Local limits on roosters or poultry numbers in residential areas

For example, rural Washtenaw County supports agricultural use, while cities like Ann Arbor may limit or restrict livestock in residential zones.

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Use chickencoopcalculator.com to make sure your land supports your livestock goals and complies with local laws.

Michigan Animal Welfare and Cruelty Laws

What are your responsibilities as an animal owner under Michigan law?

Michigan’s animal cruelty laws are laid out in MCL § 750.50 – § 750.50c. These laws cover all domestic animals, including horses and poultry.

As a livestock owner, you must:

Provide clean food and potable water

Ensure adequate shelter for weather extremes
Prevent unsanitary or dangerous living conditions
Provide veterinary care when necessary

Cruelty charges can result in misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the nature and extent of neglect or abuse.

Planning a mixed-animal farm? Chickencoopcalculator.com helps you design housing that meets space, ventilation, and cleanliness standards for multiple species.

Coggins Testing and Health Requirements in Michigan

Is a Coggins test required for horses in Michigan?

Yes. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) requires a negative Coggins test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) if you:

Transport a horse across state lines

Participate in shows, parades, or group trail rides
Sell or transfer a horse to another owner

Additionally, MDARD recommends annual vaccinations against West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and Equine Herpesvirus.

If you also raise poultry, make sure you follow biosecurity practices:

Keep feed and water separate
Clean tools and equipment between species
House animals in species-specific zones

Use chickencoopcalculator.com to design a safe layout that minimizes disease spread and meets Michigan’s health standards.

Michigan Fence Laws and Livestock Containment

Are fences required for horses and poultry in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan is a “fence-in” state, meaning it’s your legal responsibility to keep your animals on your property.

Fence requirements:

Horses: Fences must be at least 4.5 to 5 feet high
Use safe materials like board fencing, electric tape, or woven wire (avoid barbed wire)
Chickens must be kept in secure, predator-proof enclosures

Loose horses or chickens can lead to civil lawsuits, fines, or animal control actions. Avoid issues by using chickencoopcalculator.com to plan fencing dimensions and property zones.

Selling, Leasing, and Boarding Horses in Michigan

Is a contract required for horse sales or boarding agreements?

Not legally—but a written contract is always recommended. Whether you’re selling, leasing, or boarding a horse, a contract protects you and your clients from disputes.

What to include in your contract:

Horse’s identity, age, and health records
Payment terms and duration of agreement
Emergency care and liability clauses

Any known behavioral or medical issues

Even if you sell chicks, eggs, or coops, keep basic records or receipts—especially if you operate as a small business.

Trail Riding and Public Land Access in Michigan

Can you ride horses on public land in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan has a well-developed equestrian trail system maintained by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Top trail riding locations:

Waterloo-Pinckney Trail
Ortonville Recreation Area

Brighton State Recreation Area
Fort Custer State Recreation Area

Rider rules:

Use designated equine trails only

Yield to hikers and bikers as posted
Carry proof of Coggins testing when riding in public events or trail systems
Clean up manure at trailheads

Always check trail conditions and access rules at Michigan.gov/DNR before hauling out.

Managing Horses and Chickens Together in Michigan

Homesteading with horses and chickens is common across rural Michigan—but mixing species must be done right to prevent health and zoning issues.

Best practices for mixed-species farms:

Keep housing and feeding zones separate
Rotate outdoor areas to prevent overuse

Compost manure properly to control flies and odor
Store feed in sealed containers to deter rodents

Need help visualizing your ideal layout? Chickencoopcalculator.com makes it easy to organize space, fencing, shelter, and pasture access.

When to Contact a Legal or Agricultural Expert

Do you need legal help for your horse or poultry operation?

It’s a smart move if you:

Run a boarding, training, or poultry business

Face zoning disputes or ordinance violations
Are drafting sale or lease contracts
Need guidance on liability and injury claims

Michigan-based agricultural attorneys and MSU Extension agents can help you stay compliant and protect your farm.

Conclusion

Michigan is one of the best states for raising horses and chickens—but only if you follow the rules. From fencing and zoning to Coggins tests and liability protection, understanding the laws ensures you’re raising animals responsibly and legally.

Ready to design your ideal animal layout? Use chickencoopcalculator.com—your go-to tool for fencing, housing, and livestock planning across Michigan.

Farm smart. Ride free. And enjoy the Michigan lifestyle—legally and confidently

Why Equine Laws Matter in Michigan