Bills We Opposed
Prohibits Lawsuits Against Animal Abusers
HB 54 -DEFEATED
Representative Schnelting
This bill sought to prevent lawsuits from being filed on behalf of animal welfare and environmental concerns. The stated intent of the bill is to defend “Missouri Farms.”
Protects Animal Abusers
HB 574/SB 254 -Passed with Good Amendments
Representative Haden and Senator Riddle
This bill would prohibit testimony and submission of evidence in a criminal or civil trial against an agricultural operation except that provided by a Sheriff or the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Eliminates Disposition Process for Abused and Neglected Animals
HB 589/SB 201 - Passed House, Defeated in Senate
Representative Knight and Senator Crawford
This bill would effectively eliminate the disposition process for abused and neglected animals and allow the animals to remain in the hands of their abusers until the conclusion of a criminal trial. It also eliminates the authority of animal control officers from rescuing abused and neglected animals.
Prohibits Municipalities From Banning Cruel Animal Events and From Regulating Working Animals
HB 647/SB 159/HB 841 - DEFEATED
Representatives Pollitt and West, Senator Crawford
This bill promotes animal cruelty by prohibiting counties and municipalities from banning animal events that are inherently cruel such as hog-dog contests, horse tripping, bloodless bullfights or any animal event regardless of the potential cruelty inflicted upon the animals. It also restricts regulations on all animals by counties and municipalities.
Bills We Supported
Protects Animals in Hot Cars
HB 111, HB 1285, SB 630 - FAILED
Representatives Bangert and Griesheimer and Senator Hoskins
Provides immunity from civil liability for persons who render assistance to animals trapped in motor vehicles.
Allows Animals to Be Placed on Domestic Orders of Protection
SB 71 /HB 744 - Truly Agreed and Finally Passed!
Senator Gannon and Representative Roberts
This bill would afford protection for animals in domestic abuse cases. Household pets often become pawns in the game of power and control that batterers use to coerce, control, and intimidate their victims. In a nationwide study, 76% of battered women reported that their abusers had harmed, killed, or threatened their animals.
Mandates Psychiatric Assessment for Animal Abusers
HB 373 - Passed in House, Failed in Senate
Representative Hannegan
This bill requires that people who have plead/found guilty of animal abuse, animal hoarding, or sex with an animal to undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.
Whistleblower Protection
HB 125 - FAILED
Representative Mackey
This bill would provide whistleblower protection to anyone who files a complaint about animal abuse or neglect involving research animals at the University of Missouri and related institutions.
Increases Penalty for Animal Abuse
HB 221/HB 222/HB 231 - FAILED
Representatives Burnett and Basye
Establishes Missouri Animal Abuse Registry
HB 276 - FAILED
Representative Hannegan
Requires the Missouri State Highway Patrol to post a public accessible list on its website of any person convicted of an animal abuse offense.
Incentive for Adoption of Animal
HB 434 - FAILED
Representative Applebaum
This bill would provide a tax credit to a person adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue.
Ruby’s Law
HB 561 - FAILED
Representative Derges
This bill would require a warning on pet food or pet food containing ingredients imported from a foreign nation.
Psychiatric Evaluation for Animal Abusers
HB 643 - FAILED
Representative Hannegan
This bill allows the Court to order psychological or psychiatric evaluation and treatment for individuals who abuse animals. It also provides immunity to any person, including a veterinarian, teacher, and school personnel, who reports animal abuse to a law enforcement agency.