SCS/SB 156 - This act modifies provisions relating to animals.ANIMAL CARE TRAINING (Section 273.450) - This act requires individuals, or organizations on behalf of a group of individuals, seeking to train individuals responding to animal neglect and abuse incident reports to submit all training materials to the State Veterinarian for review with conformity with certain laws relating to animal care on an annual basis. Under this act, the State Veterinarian shall review such materials within 14 days, and shall either approve or disapprove such materials. Upon approval, the State Veterinarian shall issue a certification. All entities providing animal care training shall be certified by January 1, 2018, but extensions may be granted by the Director of the Department of Agriculture.
Engaging in the business of animal care training without a certification from the State Veterinarian is an infraction for the first offense, and a Class D misdemeanor for the second or any subsequent offense.
ASSAULT ON A LAW ENFORCEMENT ANIMAL & LAW ENFORCEMENT DOGS (Sections 575.353-578.022) - Currently, assault on a police animal is a Class C misdemeanor. Under this act, assault on a law enforcement animal is a Class E felony.
Currently, assault on a police animal that results in death or disability of the animal is a Class E felony. Under this act, assault on a law enforcement animal that results in death or disability of the animal is a Class C felony.
Currently, police or guard dogs are exempt from certain animal crime provisions. This act changes the reference from "police or guard dogs" to "the killing or injuring of a law enforcement officer dog".
Currently, a dog that is owned by a law enforcement agency that bites another animal or human in the course of its official duties is exempt from provisions relating to defenses in killing a dog, owner liability for a dog bite, and the offense of keeping a dangerous dog. Under this act, if such dog bites or injures another animal or human in the course of its official duties, the owner shall also be exempt from the offense of animal abuse.
These provisions are identical to HB 423 (2017).
KAYLA HAHN