AGRICULTURAL & ANIMAL LAW

SCS/SB 566 - Requires that if a person suspects that he or she has been exposed to rabies through contact with a dog or cat, the owner of such dog or cat must show documentation of rabies vaccination or else surrender the animal to proper authorities. A licensed veterinarian will examine the surrendered animal and may euthanize the animal if he or she deems necessary to the health of the exposed party. (Vetoed 7/12/12)

CCS/HCS/SCS/SB 631 - Modifies provisions pertaining to animals and agriculture. Includes provisions relating to:

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS (See also CCS/HCS/SB 635)

EXHIBITING LIVESTOCK

MISSOURI GRAIN DEALERS

LOAD LIMITS ON ROADWAYS

CORPORATIONS OWNING FARMLAND

THE AGRITOURISM PROMOTION ACT

DUTY TO REPORT ANIMAL ABUSE - Under the act, employees of animal agricultural operations who videotape what they suspect is animal abuse must provide the recording to a law enforcement agency within 24 hours. Any such recordings must not be edited in any way. An intentional violation of the act is a class A misdemeanor. (Signed 7/9/12)

HCS/HB 1900 – Included provisions relating to:

PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS AND SERVICE DOGS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL DISABILITIES

PROFESSIONAL THERAPY SERVICE DOGS AND INJURY OR HARASSMENT OF SERVICE DOGS - Specifies that any person who, with reckless disregard, injures or kills or permits a dog that he or she owns or is in the immediate control of to injure or kill a service animal shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
 Specifies that any person who, with reckless disregard, interferes with or permits a dog that he or she owns or is in the immediate control of to interfere with the use of a service animal by obstructing, intimidating, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of the service animal or its user is guilty of a class B misdemeanor. Any second or subsequent violation of this provision is a class A misdemeanor.
 Repeals the provisions relating to harassing or chasing a service dog and specifies that any person who intentionally injures or kills or permits a dog that he or she owns or is in the immediate control of to injure or kill a service animal is guilty of a class D felony.
 Repeals current provisions allowing for a cause of action by an owner of a service dog to recover civil damages and specifies that any person who is convicted for violating these provisions shall make full restitution for all damages that arise out of or are related to the offense. (Vetoed 7/20/12)