The Missouri Legislature has adjourned for the year, with all bills of concern to dog owners and breeders being tabled or significantly amended.
AKC thanks all who took the time to contact leadership and their lawmakers regarding two bills that would have had a detrimental effect on hobby and show breeders. We also extend special thanks to the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners (MOFed) for the extensive work and hours they spent this session advocating for responsible breeders and dog owners.
Summaries of Key Bills:
- House Bill 2567 – This bill sought to significantly amend current law and regulate anyone with more than 3 intact females over the age of 6 months kept “for the primary purpose of breeding”. It also struck language in current law that exempted hobby/show breeders from licensing and inspection requirements. Some of these requirements were not compatible with a home-based environment.
AKC and MOFed asked breeders at the beginning of session to contact the Speaker’s office and their State Representative and ask them not to allow the bill to advance. The bill was not referred to a policy committee before the end of session.
- House Bill 2292 – As originally introduced, this bill would have required certain social workers to report any animal cruelty they believe they encountered while performing their official duties. State workers would have been required to take at least 90 minutes of training in recognizing animal cruelty that would have been developed by the state “in conjunction with (unstated outside) animal welfare organizations”. However, the bill lacked clear definitions and parameters to protect innocent pet owners and ensure proper training.
AKC issued an alert highlighting portions of the bill that needed clarification – such as who would develop and provide the training course, and questions on investigations and potential false reporting. Thanks to the many calls and emails received, and extensive work by MOFed, the bill was amended to require that training for the course would be developed by appropriate state agencies in conjunction with the Missouri Animal Control Association (who already provides training to law enforcement on animal control). It also clarified how abuse and neglect would be reported, including requirements for “reasonable cause”, and other protections against false reporting.
The amended bill now goes to the governor.
- House Bill 3304 – As introduced, this bill would have made significant changes to the state’s dangerous dog laws, but were so extensive that even very minor incidents like a puppy nip could have significant ramifications for pet owners. AKC GR and MOFed provided recommendations to the sponsor. The bill was significantly amended to provide penalties for those who fail to provide “adequate care or adequate control”, with increased penalties based on the harm caused. The bill had a hearing but did not ultimately advance.
- House Bill 2436 – This is a bill supported by AKC and MOFed that would have made several changes to protect dogs and the rights of innocent dog owners when animals are seized on suspicion of cruelty or abuse. The bill passed the House but was ultimately held in the Senate. AKC looks forward to supporting similar legislation in the future.
AKC Government Relations again thanks the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners (MOFed) for their extensive and tireless efforts this session, and appreciates all who took the time to contact lawmakers about legislation impacting dogs in Missouri. For questions or more information contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org or MOFed at kjeeper@gmail.com