578.012. Animal abuse — penalties
Hurting or severely neglecting an animal is a crime in Missouri
If someone intentionally injures, kills, or seriously neglects an animal, they can be charged with animal abuse. Harsher penalties apply if they’ve done it before or if the harm involves torture or mutilation.
1. A person commits animal abuse if they:
- (1) Intentionally kill an animal in a way not allowed by Missouri law or legal exemptions;
- (2) Purposely injure or cause suffering to an animal;
- (3) Own or have custody of an animal and fail to provide proper care, leading to serious harm.
2. Animal abuse is usually a class A misdemeanor. But it becomes a class E felony if:
- The person has been found guilty of animal abuse before; or
- The abuse involved torture or mutilation of a live animal.
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