§ 578.173 RSMo – Animal Baiting or Fighting Felony Charges in Missouri

Posted by Christopher Combs on July 22, 2025

578.173. Baiting or fighting animals — penalty

Organizing, participating in, or promoting animal fights is a felony

It is a serious crime in Missouri to be involved in any part of animal fighting—including organizing it, attending it, selling fighting animals, or owning gear used for fights. Violators face felony charges.

1. A person commits this offense if they:

(1) Bait or fight animals;
(2) Allow baiting or fighting on property they control;
(3) Promote, organize, or run animal fights;
(4) Advertise animal fights;
(5) Charge money for admission to animal fights;
(6) Knowingly attend animal fights;
(7) Sell, offer, ship, or transport animals bred or trained to fight;
(8) Own or possess cockfighting tools like gaffs, slashers, or other sharp items made to attach to a gamecock’s leg; or
(9) Make, sell, trade, or exchange cockfighting weapons like gaffs or slashers.