Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 433. Animals Running at Large § 433.62

Sec. 12. In all criminal matters under this act, it shall be the duty of the city attorney to appear before the magistrate entering [entertaining] the complaint and act as counsel on behalf of the people of this state, and in case of his absence, neglect, or refusal to so act on request of the magistrate, any attorney at law, on request of such magistrate, may act as such counsel for the people.