Bill > HB2812

This bill establishes the offense of unlawful dog tethering or chaining in Missouri, making it a Class B misdemeanor for individuals who keep a dog tethered or chained under specific harmful conditions. These conditions include leaving the dog unsupervised for extended periods, failing to provide adequate shelter, food, or unfrozen water, tethering in an unsafe or unsanitary area, or using a tether or chain that is too short, not proportionate to the dog's size, or not attached with a proper harness or collar. The bill clarifies that "tethering or chaining" refers to restraining a dog to a stationary object, not walking a dog on a leash, and exempts temporary restraints used during hunting or in camping/recreational areas. Law enforcement and authorized animal control officers can arrest for violations and immediately seize a dog if its health or safety is at immediate risk.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2812&year=2026&code=R