Bill > HB1984

This bill modifies the existing law regarding dangerous dogs by expanding the definition of a dangerous dog to include dogs that have bitten a person, domestic animal, or livestock without provocation on one occasion, in addition to the previous requirement of a subsequent bite after an initial incident. The bill establishes a tiered penalty system for dangerous dog offenses, ranging from an infraction to a class D felony depending on the severity of the dog's actions. For dogs with a previous biting history, the bill mandates immediate seizure by animal control or the county sheriff, followed by a ten-day impoundment and subsequent destruction. The bill provides an appeal process for dog owners to contest the impoundment and destruction, with a court hearing within thirty days. The legislation includes a specific exemption for dogs that bite individuals engaged in criminal activity, and it adds new provisions allowing the court to order the dog owner to pay medical bills or replacement costs for injured or killed animals. Furthermore, the bill explicitly permits a person, property owner, or livestock owner to kill a dog that shows aggressive behavior that puts them in fear for their life or the lives of others. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines and consequences for dangerous dog incidents while offering some protections for property and livestock owners.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1984&year=2026&code=R