What are the laws about animal abuse in Missouri?
The law provides two routes for handling animal abuse ~ (1) Under the criminal code – Chapter 578 RSMo. Animal “neglect” is a class c misdemeanor. Its punishable by a $500 fine, but the judge can waive the fine. Animal “abuse” is a class a misdemeanor but you have to prove that the person intentionally, willfully, knowingly or purposefully caused injury or suffering. Misdemeanors are part of the criminal code and you have to find a law enforcement officer, prosecutor, and judge who (1) isn’t related to the miller and (2) who is willing to spend the time to actually do something. (2) Under the Animal Care Facilities Act – Chapter 273 RSMo. A complaint can be made about a facility and the state veterinarian can decide if he will or will not investigate. (After the auditor’s complaint last year, there was a rumor that the state vet was going to investigate every complaint. But, the law and Code don’t require it and we’ve changed state vets since then.) If he does decide to investigate and
