2021 Missouri Revised Statutes
Title XXXVIII - Crimes and Punishment; Peace Officers and Public Defenders
Chapter 578 - Miscellaneous Offenses
Section 578.009 - Animal neglect — penalties.

Effective - 01 Jan 2017, 2 histories

578.009. Animal neglect — penalties. — 1. A person commits the offense of animal neglect if he or she:

(1) Has custody or ownership of an animal and fails to provide adequate care; or

(2) Knowingly abandons an animal in any place without making provisions for its adequate care.

2. The offense of animal neglect is a class C misdemeanor unless the person has previously been found guilty of an offense under this section, or an offense in another jurisdiction which would constitute an offense under this section, in which case it is a class B misdemeanor.

3. All fines and penalties for a first finding of guilt under this section may be waived by the court if the person found guilty of animal neglect shows that adequate, permanent remedies for the neglect have been made. Reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of neglected animals may not be waived. This section shall not apply to the provisions of section 578.007 or chapter 272.

4. In addition to any other penalty imposed by this section, the court may order a person found guilty of animal neglect to pay all reasonable costs and expenses necessary for:

(1) The care and maintenance of neglected animals within the person's custody or ownership;

(2) The disposal of any dead or diseased animals within the person's custody or ownership;

(3) The reduction of resulting organic debris affecting the immediate area of the neglect; and

(4) The avoidance or minimization of any public health risks created by the neglect of the animals.

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(L. 1983 S.B. 211 § 3, A.L. 1994 S.B. 545, A.L. 1998 S.B. 596, A.L. 2013 S.B. 9, A.L. 2014 S.B. 491)

Effective 1-01-17