On Monday, a Missouri Senate Committee is considering a bill that protects dogs and the rights of dog owners when animals are seized on suspicion of neglect or abuse. The purpose of the bill is to protect the rights of the accused and ensure they are treated as innocent until proven guilty, and to protect any dogs that are seized and held during a trial.
The American Kennel Club and the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners support House Bill 489, which protects both the health and safety of animals seized and the rights of owners, unless and until proven guilty. Missouri residents are encouraged to contact the Senate Agriculture, Food Production, and Outdoor Resources Committee in support of House Bill 489. To submit written testimony, visit https://www.senate.mo.gov/senatewitnesssystem/ and follow the on-screen instructions to log in and submit your comments.
HB 489 Bill Summary:
House Bill 489 provisions include:
- Only allowing law enforcement officers to obtain a warrant to inspect, care for, or confiscate allegedly neglected or abused animals. The officer must appear at a hearing within 10 days of the confiscation for the purpose of granting immediate disposition of the animals (current law requires a hearing within 30 days of when a request is filed).
- Expanding current law to allow animals to be placed during a trial with a third party approved by the court (current law allows placement only with veterinarians or animal control). This could allow for dogs to be placed with co-owners or other responsible parties during a trial. It ensures the care of the animals while alleviating burdens on shelters.
- Prohibiting animals from being sterilized during an ongoing trial, unless necessary to relieve that animal’s suffering.
- Ensuring that animals receive proper care as determined by state law and regulations. The facility or organizations caring for the animals are liable to the owner for damages resulting from negligent acts or abuse that occur while the animals are in their care.
- Ensures if an owner is found not guilty or charges are dropped, the animals must be returned and the owner is not liable for any costs incurred for caring for the animals during the trial.
AKC Government Relations and the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners (MoFed) continue to closely monitor these and all legislative bills in Missouri impacting dog owners. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org or MoFed at kjeeper@gmail.com.