Bill > HB1929

This bill modifies Missouri's law regarding dangerous dogs by changing the criteria for what constitutes a dangerous dog and the associated legal penalties. Under the new provisions, a person can be charged with keeping a dangerous dog if their dog has bitten a person or domestic animal without provocation, removing the previous requirement that the dog must bite a second time. The bill establishes a graduated penalty system based on the severity of the dog's actions: a bite resulting in serious physical or emotional injury is a class A misdemeanor, a bite with a previous serious attack is a class E felony, and a bite resulting in a person's death is a class D felony. Additionally, the bill mandates that a dog involved in a serious attack shall be seized, impounded for ten business days, and then destroyed. The owner can appeal this destruction through the circuit court, which will hold a hearing within 30 days to determine the dog's fate. Importantly, the bill includes a provision that if a dog attacks someone engaged in criminal activity, the owner is not liable and the dog will not be destroyed. The bill defines specific legal terms like "serious physical injury" and "serious emotional injury" by referencing other state statute sections.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1929&year=2026&code=R