§ 4-44. Animal abuse.

(a)

A person commits the offense of animal abuse when a person:

(1)

Intentionally or purposely kills an animal in any manner not allowed by or expressly exempted from the provisions of RSMo 578.005 to 578.023 and RSMo 273.030;

(2)

Purposely or intentionally causes injury, suffering, or pain to an animal;

(3)

Having ownership or custody of an animal knowingly fails to provide adequate care which results in substantial harm to the animal.

(b)

Animal abuse is a misdemeanor.

(c)

The return of an altered feral cat to a managed colony where food, shelter, and monitoring are provided on a regular basis does not constitute abandonment within the meaning of this chapter.

(Code 1978, §§ 235.070, 240.020(A); Ord. No. 10-30, § VII, 8-10-10; Ord. No. 17-20, § 1, 6-13-17)

State law reference

Similar provisions, RSMo 578.012.