Bill > HB2822

This bill increases the penalties for animal abuse in Missouri and establishes an animal abuser registry. Specifically, it reclassifies the offense of animal abuse from a misdemeanor to a felony, with more severe penalties for repeat offenders or cases involving torture or mutilation. The bill also creates the "Missouri Animal Abuser Registration Act," which mandates the Missouri State Highway Patrol to maintain a publicly accessible online registry of individuals convicted of animal abuse offenses, including their photograph and identifying information. This registry will be in place for two years after a first conviction and five years after a second or subsequent conviction, unless the offense is expunged. The act defines "animal abuse offense" broadly to include various felony-level animal cruelty crimes, and "companion animal" as dogs and cats.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2822&year=2026&code=R