578.009. Animal neglect — penalties
Failing to care for or abandoning an animal is a crime in Missouri
If someone owns or takes care of an animal and doesn’t provide proper care—or leaves the animal without a plan for its care—they can be charged with animal neglect. Repeat offenses carry stricter penalties.
1. A person commits animal neglect if they:
- (1) Have custody or ownership of an animal and don’t give it adequate care (like food, water, shelter, or medical attention); or
- (2) Knowingly abandon an animal without making sure it has proper care.
2. Animal neglect is a:
- Class C misdemeanor for a first offense;
- Class a misdemeanor if the person has been found guilty of neglect before (in Missouri or elsewhere).
3. The court may waive penalties for a first offense if the person fixes the neglect permanently. However, they still must pay for the cost of caring for the animals during the case. This section doesn’t apply to section 578.007 or chapter 272.
4. The court can also order the person to pay for:
- (1) Taking care of the animals;
- (2) Removing any dead or sick animals;
- (3) Cleaning up any mess or waste left behind;
- (4) Reducing any public health risks caused by the neglect.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
