If someone owns or is taking care of an animal and lets it roam without proper control for 12 hours or more, that person has broken this law. The first time it happens, it is a minor violation with a fine up to $200, but the fine can be dropped if the owner fixes the problem permanently. Starting with the second time, it becomes a misdemeanor with a fine up to $500 or jail time or both. The owner may still have to pay costs for taking care of the animal while it was loose.
Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.
*578.011. , . — 1. A person is guilty of animal trespass if a person having ownership or of an animal fails to provide for a period equal to or exceeding twelve hours.
2. Animal trespass is an upon first and for each punishable by a not to exceed two hundred dollars, and a punishable by imprisonment or a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars, or both, upon the second and all subsequent . All fines for a first conviction of animal trespass may be by the court provided that the person of animal trespass shows that adequate, permanent for have been made. Reasonable incurred for the care and of trespassing animals may not be waived. This section shall not apply to the of section 578.007 or sections 272.010 to 272.370.
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Source & history notes
(L. 2013 S.B. 9) *Effective 10-11-13, see § 21.250. S.B. 9 was vetoed July 2, 2013. The veto was overridden on September 11, 2013.
Related Missouri laws
Animal abuse
RSMo 578.012
Animal neglect
RSMo 578.009
Recordings of farm animals alleged to be abused or neglected, submission to law enforcement required
RSMo 578.013
Responsibility of parent or guardian of minor owning
RSMo 578.014
Acts and facilities to which section 574.130 and sections 578.005 to 578.023 do not apply
RSMo 578.007
Impoundment of animal found off property of owner or custodian, disposition, procedure
RSMo 578.016
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.