Dogfighting is a crime in Missouri. A person breaks this law if they own, keep, or train a dog to fight other dogs, make dogs fight each other for fun or money, or let any of that happen on property they control. This crime is a class E felony, which is the least serious type of felony.
Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.
578.025. Dogfighting — . — 1. A person commits the of dogfighting if he or she:
(1) Owns, possesses, keeps, or trains any dog, with the intent that such dog shall be engaged in an of fighting with another dog;
(2) For , causes any dog to fight with another dog, or causes any dogs to injure each other; or
(3) Permits any act as described in (1) or (2) of this to be done on any under his or her charge or control, or any such act.
2. The offense of dogfighting is a .
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Source & history notes
(L. 1984 H.B. 1210 § 1, A.L. 2014 S.B. 491) Effective 1-01-17
Related Missouri laws
Keeping a dangerous dog
RSMo 578.024
Spectating dog fighting
RSMo 578.026
Keeping a dangerous wild animal
RSMo 578.023
Causing a dog to pursue a live animal propelled by a device
RSMo 578.027
Law enforcement dogs, exempt from certain laws, when
RSMo 578.022
Unlawful removal of an electronic dog collar or radio transmitting device
RSMo 578.028
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.