These are the definitions for words used in Missouri's pet adoption law. An 'adopter' is someone old enough and legally able to sign a contract who is getting a dog or cat from a shelter or similar place. An 'adult animal' is a dog or cat that is at least six months old. A 'releasing agency' is a shelter, pound, or animal control group — but not a regular person who just helps out a stray at home. 'Sterilization' means a surgery or approved shot that permanently stops a dog or cat from having babies.
273.400. Definitions. — As used in sections 273.400 to 273.405, the following words mean:
(1) "Adopter", a person who is to enter into a contract and who is adopting or buying a dog or cat from a ;
(2) "Adult animal", any dog or cat that has reached the age of one hundred eighty days or six months or more;
(3) "Releasing agency", an animal , shelter, organization, or animal control agency, whether public or private, but not including an individual who occasionally renders humane or shelter in his* home to a dog or cat;
(4) "", the surgical of the reproductive organs of a dog or cat in to render the animal unable to reproduce, or the use of an approved serum which permanently render the animal unable to reproduce.
Tap any gold-underlined word to see what it means.
Red section numbers link to that law.
Source & history notes
(L. 1992 S.B. 636 § 7) *Word "their" appears in original rolls.
Related Missouri laws
Sterilization of all cats and dogs adopted or purchased from animal shelters or animal control agencies, procedure
RSMo 273.403
Animal considered sterilized when
RSMo 273.405
Animal abuse or neglect suspected, hotline report to MACA
RSMo 273.410
Child abuse and neglect training required
RSMo 273.415
Abuse or neglect of eligible adult or child, control officers and humane investigators required to report
RSMo 273.420
Abuse and neglect report, contents
RSMo 273.425
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.