Bill > HB3304

This bill modifies existing laws concerning animal neglect and the offense of keeping a dangerous dog. For animal neglect, it expands the definition to include failing to provide "adequate control" of an animal, not just "adequate care," and clarifies that this exclusion does not apply to livestock. The bill also increases the penalties for animal neglect, making it a class B misdemeanor for a repeat offense or if it results in property damage exceeding $750, a class A misdemeanor if it causes physical injury to a person, a class E felony if it causes serious physical injury (defined as injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ), and a class D felony if it results in death. The bill also removes the provision allowing fines to be waived if permanent remedies are made, but allows courts to order the owner to pay costs for the animal's care, disposal of deceased animals, debris cleanup, and public health risk mitigation. Regarding dangerous dogs, the bill clarifies that "serious physical injury" is the standard for increased penalties and defines it. It also specifies that if a dog has previously caused serious physical injury to a person, a subsequent attack causing serious physical injury to another person becomes a class E felony. The bill also outlines a process for seizing and potentially destroying a dangerous dog after a subsequent bite or attack causing serious physical injury or death, with provisions for the owner to appeal the decision in court. Importantly, the bill creates an exception where an owner is not guilty of any crime related to a dog attack if the victim was engaged in or attempting to engage in criminal activity at the time of the attack, with specific exclusions for trespassing under certain conditions and for minors under twelve.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB3304&year=2026&code=R