Interference with the transportation of livestock, offense of
It is against the law to mess with a truck or vehicle that is carrying farm animals. A person cannot block, stop, or board the vehicle, bother the animals inside it, or put any substance on the animals that could hurt them, make them worth less money, or cause the shipment to be delayed. The first time someone does this it is a serious felony, and if they do it again it becomes an even more serious felony. This law does not apply to law enforcement or certain agriculture department workers doing their jobs.
Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.
578.156. Interference with the transportation of , of — penalties. — 1. A person commits the offense of interference with the transportation of livestock if the person does any of the following:
(1) Stops, hinders, impedes, boards, obstructs, or otherwise interferes with a motor vehicle transporting livestock regardless of whether the motor vehicle is moving;
(2) Provokes or disturbs livestock when the livestock is confined in a motor vehicle regardless of whether the motor vehicle is moving; or
(3) Puts or places a compound or substance on, near, or upon such livestock that would:
(a) Affect the livestock's or suitability for use;
(b) Affect animal or human health; or
(c) Result in an unreasonable transportation or shipping delay.
2. The offense of interference with the transportation of livestock is a for a first offense and a for any second or subsequent offense.
3. In a alleging that a person committed the offense of interference with the transportation of livestock under 1 of this section, the person may assert an of . The person shall prove by a that the person was acting with the consent of any of the following:
(1) A person having to transport the livestock; or
(2) The owner of the livestock or any other person having real or apparent authority to possess or control the livestock.
4. The of this section shall not apply to any or services provided by a or agency or an employee or of the of agriculture acting under section 267.645.
5. As used in this section, the following terms mean:
(1) "Livestock", as defined under section 265.300;
(2) "Motor vehicle", any self-propelled vehicle not operated exclusively upon tracks and an item attached to the motor vehicle. "Motor vehicle" shall not include farm tractors and electric bicycles.
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Source & history notes
(L. 2023 S.B. 186)
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.