Senator Tracy McCreery Introduces Cross-Reporting System to Better Protect Children, Seniors and Animals from Abuse  

JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-St. Louis County, presented Senate Bill 899 to the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee on Wednesday, proposing a cross-reporting system to enhance coordination among investigators addressing abuse of children, seniors, vulnerable populations and animals.

“Senate Bill 899 bridges human and animal protection, and ensures no sign of abuse goes unnoticed," Sen. McCreery said. "When investigators can recognize and report all forms of harm — whether to a child, an elder or an animal — help can reach those who need it faster. By bridging these investigations, we can intervene earlier and lives can be saved across the board."  

Senate Bill 899 seeks to strengthen protections and ensure swift, thorough responses to all forms of abuse. The bill would implement cross-training for investigators, allowing professionals who handle human abuse cases to recognize signs of animal cruelty. Likewise, animal welfare investigators would be equipped to identify indicators of human abuse and neglect.

Similar legislation received strong bipartisan support in the Missouri House last year, and several other states have already implemented or mandated this type of cross-training, demonstrating its effectiveness in protecting both people and animals.

"Research shows a clear connection between cruelty to animals and violence toward people. Children growing up in homes with domestic violence often witness pets being harmed, and individuals who abuse animals frequently harm people as well,” said Sen. McCreery. “This bill ensures all experts investigating abuse work together to protect the most vulnerable among us."  

For more information on Sen. McCreery’s legislation, visit her official Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/McCreery.

###