In the coming days, the Missouri House of Representatives is expected to consider a bill that would require certain social workers to report any animal cruelty they encounter while performing their official duties.
Because a House vote is expected soon, those who wish to comment on House Bill 2292 are encouraged to contact their Missouri State Representative today. Visit the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Legislative Action Center at www.akcgr.org and click on the “Find Your Elected Officials” box on the home page to find the name and contact information for your State Representative.
Summary and Talking Points:
House Bill 2292 would require those who, in their official capacity, have direct contact with children or vulnerable adults through the state’s welfare system to report any suspected animal cruelty or abuse they encounter.
To recognize animal abuse, these state workers must have taken at least 90 minutes of training in how to recognize animal cruelty. This training will be developed by the state in conjunction with animal welfare organizations.
If these social workers suspect they have witnessed animal cruelty, they must call a hotline set up by the Missouri Animal Control Association.
AKC believes this requirement may be a way to ensure true animal cruelty offenses are reported as quickly as possible. However, the idea also raises concerns. It is unclear who specifically will be involved in designing the required training course. Also, there are questions of whether 90 minutes of training will provide social workers with a suitable understanding of appropriate care, breed/type expectations, animal husbandry practices, and negligent or cruel treatment to appropriately identify instances of cruelty. In addition, because the bill would penalize social workers for not reporting, there is concern that uncertain issues may be reported when there is no actual cruelty or abuse occurring.
Further clarifications are needed to ensure this is a reasonable and effective law.
AKC and the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners are closely monitoring all bills impacting dog owners in Missouri. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org or MoFed at prezmofed@gmail.com.