- Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed -

HCS/SS/SCS/SB 596 - This act creates two new offenses for abuse or neglect of more than five animal units or their equivalent, and modifies the existing general statute relating to animal neglect. An "animal unit" is a term used by concentrated animal feeding operations to describe how many animals within a particular species should be managed per acre of commercial operation. The ratio of animals per unit is determined by the size of the animals and the amount of waste each produces.

Animal unit neglect arises when one with custody or ownership fails to provide adequate care of the animals. The offense is a Class B misdemeanor for the first offense, and a Class A misdemeanor thereafter. Animal unit abuse constitutes a Class B misdemeanor for the first offense, and a Class A misdemeanor thereafter, when a person intentionally or purposely kills more than five mammal animal units in a manner not authorized by law, or intentionally or purposely causes injury to such mammals.

Upon conviction of either offense, the court may require the defendant to pay reasonable expenses for care of the neglected animals, disposal of any dead or diseased animals, debris clean-up and minimization of other public health risks.

The existing offense for animal neglect, Section 578.009, RSMo, is amended to create a new offense for abandonment, however, the requirement that substantial harm must result to the animal has been removed. Additional provisions allow the court to order the defendant to pay similar expenses incurred as outlined for an animal unit offense.

The definitions found in Section 578.005, RSMo, are expanded to include "animal husbandry".

Section 252.043 permits judicial review of a suspension, revocation or denial of a hunting permit by the Conservation Commission. The court may take into consideration any mitigation circumstances to determine if the adverse action on the person's permit should be modified.

Section 252.228 limits access to personal information provided to obtain hunting, fishing or trapping permits. Upon written request of the permit holder, such information would only be available to courts, enforcement agencies and governmental entities in furtherance of mandated duties. Credit card numbers provided to the Department are deemed closed records.

Section 252.244 allows political subdivisions, schools and specified benevolent organizations to prepare and serve wild game in conjunction with special events, or when the organization is feeding the indigent. Individuals would be allowed to donate, collect and transport game lawfully taken to charitable entities for the preparation of meals, provided that all game donated is accompanied by information identifying the donor. Any dining hall where wild game is served must be posted with visible signs alerting diners that the meat has not been subjected to state or federal inspection.

Section 252.247 permits the Conservation Commission to enter into compacts with other states to pursue wildlife violations. Provisions relating to the Department of Conservation were drawn for SCS/HCS/HB 1525, 1249 & 1430.

DENISE GARNIER