House oversight hearing examines allegations DNR, prosecutors targeted Detroit Animal Welfare Group

Members of the Michigan House Oversight Committee on Weaponization of State Government heard testimony alleging that Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers and the Macomb County prosecutor have repeatedly targeted the Detroit Animal Welfare Group and its director, Kelly Labonte, through inspections, criminal charges and attempts to revoke her wildlife rehabilitation permit.

The committee's opening statement said the body was investigating whether state power is being misused against citizens who criticize government decisions. Celeste Lisonbee, the group's attorney, told the committee, “The case I'm gonna tell you about today is probably 1 of the most disgusting cases of retaliation that I've seen in my experience.” She presented internal DNR emails and other documents she said showed officials discussing withdrawing Labonte's permit after public criticism and outreach connected to a 2018 Clarkston deer matter.

Why it matters: Committee members said the hearing raised questions about whether a regulatory agency used its enforcement power in response to criticism rather than solely for animal-welfare reasons. The dispute has had financial and operational consequences: testimony said Labonte spent about $150,000 of her personal funds defending against the proceedings,…