HCS HB 1961 -- MISSING AND STOLEN PETS (Fraser)

This substitute makes it a class C felony to knowingly
misappropriate a pet, law enforcement animal, or rescue animal
with intent to sell it; knowingly purchase a stolen pet; or
knowingly remove an identification marker or tag from a pet
without permission.

The substitute also requires the Department of Public Safety to
create an Internet registry where owners may list their missing
or stolen pets.  Anyone purchasing pets for research purposes is
required to examine them for identification marks and search the
registry.  If a match is found, the purchaser must contact the
owner for verification and report suspected stolen pets to a
local law enforcement agency.  Pets sold to licensed dealers for
research purposes must be accompanied by a veterinarian's health
certificate.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue of Unknown
in FY 2001, FY 2002, and FY 2003.  Costs will likely be less
than $100,000.

HCS HB 1961 -- MISSING AND STOLEN PETS

SPONSOR:  McBride (Fraser)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on State
Parks, Natural Resources and Mining by a vote of 11 to 0.

This substitute makes it a class C felony to knowingly
misappropriate a pet, law enforcement animal, or rescue animal
with intent to sell it; knowingly purchase a stolen pet; or
knowingly remove an identification marker or tag from a pet
without permission.

The substitute also requires the Department of Public Safety to
create an Internet registry where owners may list their missing
or stolen pets.  Anyone purchasing pets for research purposes is
required to examine them for identification marks and search the
registry.  If a match is found, the purchaser must contact the
owner for verification and report suspected stolen pets to the
local prosecutor.  Pets sold to licensed dealers for research
purposes must be accompanied by a veterinarian's health
certificate.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue of Unknown
in FY 2001, FY 2002, and FY 2003.  Registration fees will likely
offset program costs.  Costs will likely be less than $100,000.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that illegal trafficking in pets
used for research purposes is widespread.  By increasing
penalties and providing a registry, this bill will help reduce
thefts and protect legitimate breeders and research facilities.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Fraser; and Missouri
Alliance for Animal Legislation.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Terry Finger, Senior Legislative Analyst

HB 1961 -- Missing and Stolen Pets

Co-Sponsors:  Fraser, Gaw, Scott, Boucher, Relford, Selby,
Myers, Ransdall, Loudon

This bill makes it a class C felony to knowingly misappropriate
a pet, law enforcement animal, or rescue animal with the intent
to sell, injure, or harm it.

The bill makes it a class C felony to knowingly purchase a
stolen pet.  It is also a class C felony to knowingly remove an
identification marker or tag from a pet without permission.

The bill requires the Department of Public Safety to create an
Internet registry of pets upon which owners can register their
animals.  Persons purchasing pets for research purposes are
required to examine the Internet registry and the pets for any
identification marks.