Bill > HB3053

This bill modifies the offense of keeping a dangerous dog by expanding the definition to include dogs that bite livestock or domestic animals without provocation, not just people. It also clarifies the penalties, which range from an infraction for a first offense to a class D felony if a dog's attack results in a person's death, and a class E felony if a dog with a previous serious bite incident causes another serious injury or death to a domestic animal or livestock. The bill also mandates the seizure and potential destruction of dogs that have previously bitten without provocation and subsequently bite again, or that cause serious injury or death in a first offense, with provisions for the owner to appeal the dog's destruction. Additionally, it introduces a new defense for owners if the victim was engaged in criminal activity at the time of the attack, with exceptions for simple trespass or for minors under twelve trespassing. Finally, the bill allows courts to order owners to pay medical bills or replacement costs for damaged animals and grants individuals the right to kill a dog that exhibits aggressive behavior that instills fear for life.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB3053&year=2026&code=R