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Missouri Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: Do we have any legal recourse as far as puppy rights?

My daughter and her fiancé own a dog which bred my daughters best friends dog. The best friend lives in the home with my daughter and her fiancé. She, the best friend, is threatening to take all eight puppies and to keep the money from the sale of the puppies for herself because she needs the... View More

Lydia Seifner
Lydia Seifner
answered on Feb 19, 2018

This is really an animal law question.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: My Dog getting into a tussle with another person's dog.

Both dogs were on a leash. The other persons dog nipped at mine and they got into a tussle. The other owner is now saying that her dog is acting weird since the incident. This happened about 5 hrs ago. What is the liability of this. Woman said that her dog is bleeding from the neck but when i was... View More

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on Dec 5, 2017

There is not anything to be done legally unless or until the other dog owner either makes a report to animal control/police department or tries to sue you in civil court for some reason. Otherwise, try to stay away from her and her dogs. If you receive a citation or get served documents, contact a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Missouri on
Q: if my dog is on my property and some kids come up and touch him and he bites them. What could the consequences be?

The kids dad came back and kicked and hit my dog.. there was witnesses what can we do?

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Aug 24, 2017

file an animal cruelty complaint. Notify your homeowners. Kids were technically trespassers.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: can we keep a dog if the owner is abusing and neglecting it

We have had the dog for two months paid for do food toys shelter for her and the owner bounces from house to house can't even take care of herself we have watched her punch and hurt the dog till it cries

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on Aug 8, 2017

This is a difficult question, but ultimately the answer is probably that you can keep the dog with you. However, in order to make sure this is done properly, you need to contact your local animal control or police department to report the abuse and state that you are willing to foster the dog at... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: If I find someone's dog that got lost. But the owner has not done anything to look for it and I find it can I keep it?

The owners dog got lost 3 weeks ago and all she did was call it's name a few times. If I found it can I keep it?

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on May 30, 2017

The short answer is probably not. It sounds like you know who the owner is and that you know the owner is looking for the dog. That is not good and you could face legal repercussions for refusing to return the dog. You should take the dog to the vet or nearby shelter or rescue group to be scanned... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: If "Animals are considered personal property." Are evidences/documentations that prove ownership sufficient?

The ex-boy friend says has proof of purchasing dog, which the other party says no receipt was given, both went together to buy dog and paid together in cash. Which party most like to get the dog. The ex-boyfriend that claims/provides proof of purchase or the one who has the documents that dog is... View More

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on May 30, 2017

Whoever the dog is registered to, can show he or she has been providing food, shelter, and vet care for the dog would have the best chance of success in court.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for Missouri on
Q: Theft of Animal

What would be the legal recourse for someone possibly being charged with theft of animal when the intention was not to keep but the animals to the shelter for the dogs to have food, water and shelter, if the shelter was informed.

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on May 30, 2017

This may be very specific to Kentucky laws. Most states treat animals as property, including companion animals, and so if you do not have the authority to take the dog (such as an officer with probably cause) then you could be charged with theft. Again, speak with a Kentucky criminal defense... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: Hi my dog lost her rabies tag can she be charged with no tags even though I carry the papers with me.

The officer stopped me for something else. Charge me for that offense. Then threw on a no rabies tags charge. She plays hard with the other dogs she has lost her tags long ago because of this I carry her papers with me. The officer never asked for her tags or anything, if he had I would have given... View More

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on May 25, 2017

Yes. Not having the physical tag on your dog is an ordinance violation in most cities. If your dog's tag falls off that easily, then you need a better metal ring/connector. However, in my experience, the rings that come with the rabies tags are more than sufficient. You are able to get... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: If a dog is found and the owner not located is there a law that requires the dog be placed in a rescue

Found dog owner not located and was told the only option for a dog that was found was for it to go to a licensed rescue

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on May 22, 2017

I don't know that there is a law on it, but it is safer for the dog and community that the dog go to a shelter (preferably a no-kill shelter) or rescue. If the person who found it the dog wants to keep it, there's nothing saying he or she cannot keep the dog. Whatever happens, it's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: My daughter is a minor and she paid for a dog. Isn't illegal to a minor to buy a do in MO?

If my husband and I decided to take the dog back, can we get her money back?

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on May 8, 2017

More than likely, yes. Depending on the amount, you may see if an attorney would be willing to write a demand letter if a personable approach does not work with the seller. However, if the price was low, then it may not be worth the effort to pursue.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Missouri on
Q: My dog got loose, bit a man running alone, by my house. My dog has marks where he had been struck. Does he have a case?

I am wondering if the man whom was bit has a case. My dog broke his lead, which he was on in the yard, ran to the end of the road where the man was running and apparently bit him. My dog could be mistaken for a vicious looking dog but wouldn't bit unless provoked. My dog has marks on his back.... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Apr 21, 2017

He has a case--his word against the dog's. A dog bite is distinctive so your argument would be ?

Notify your homeowners, let them deal with it.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: Home owners assotiations and fines! Fined for dog getting lose and my 14yr old driving to dump the trash with an adult.

Speed limit is 15 this is private property. I pay assotiation fees yearly for rights to use roads shower houses and pool all but roads we do not use because they are not maintained well very gross. Anyways, we recieved a fine for the driving and dog getting lose by my two year old. We made every... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 19, 2017

Ask under what section they are fining you as you don't see it in your agreement. If that doesn't resolve it take it to a lawyer who handles HOA disputes.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: I was an wondering what I can do about my neneighbors male dog getting my female dog pregnant?

My neighbors dog is never on a leash by my dog is.

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on Aug 25, 2016

Get your dog spayed and call animal control about the neighbor's dog getting lose. If it is your dog getting lose, then keep your dog secured while she's in heat.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: Is it is it state law that u have to have a dog house for ur dogs in MO even if they r inside and out side dogs
Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on Aug 15, 2016

If your pets are outside without supervision for any duration of time, then you should have a dog house or shelter available for them just to be safe and for the health and welfare of your pets. You can get fined if your dogs are outside without adequate shelter and an officer sees this.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: We haven't registered our dogs and the animal control is threatening to fine us. What happens if we don't do anything?
Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on Aug 15, 2016

For every day your dogs are in violation of a city ordinance, animal control can fine you. If you get too many fines or all the fines go unpaid, then there is a possibility that the city could impound your dogs. Then the city would charge you impound fees for every day the dogs are impounded.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Missouri on
Q: My dog reached over the fence and bit my neighbor. She approached as he was barking and did not stop when

I told her to wait and let me get my dog. She was coming out to get her 4 aggressive dogs who she lets out unsupervised multiple times a day. They always run straight to the fence and bark viciously at us and our dog. We have spoken to them many times about this they have agreed their dogs are... View More

Mr. Michael O. Stevens
Mr. Michael O. Stevens
answered on May 23, 2016

Not sure what the dog bite law in Missouri is, but many states there is the one free bite rule. California has strict liability. That said, it sounds like the injured person was on her property the whole time, and one general has a right not to be bitten while at home from someone else's dog,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: I was walking my dog where I live in a trailer court,Neighbors dog jumped fence and tried to attack mine.What can i do?

its in Howell county, in a trailer court.The dog was a pit and jumped the fence to attack my dog which was on a leash.I don't think a aggressive dog should be left remaining in a busy park?(witnesses too)

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on Apr 21, 2016

You can contact animal control or the non-emergency police line to report this and let them investigate. You will have to give a statement and provide evidence, if any. Animal control will decide whether or not to write a ticket and the prosecutor will decide whether or not to press charges or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: I am currently staying with my ex husband. He said if I am not out in a few days that he will shoot my dog. Is that lega
Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on Apr 21, 2016

I do not believe this a question about legality as much as it is about your safety and your dog's safety. To get you to move out, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. If an individual is threatening to kill your dog, you need to seek a safer place to stay immediately. There... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: Hello, I need to know what the legal rights are if you have a dog sitter and they refuse to give you updated on your dog

I have a dog that I had to ask my sister to watch until I get my own apartment but my sister won't give me any information on how my dog is doing I've tried reaching her but no one has bothered to let me know

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jul 14, 2015

Talk to your sister about this. If she refuses to comply, get a sitter that's easier to work with.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Missouri on
Q: I am the co-owner of a dog and the other owner will not allow me access to her. What are my rights?

I co-own a dog with a girl but am listed as primary owner on the AKC registration. She has had this dog for 3 years and will not allow me access to her. What are my rights as the primary co-owner? Can I go to her home and simply retrieve the dog or do I need a court order? Are canines... View More

Kenneth J. Geniuk
Kenneth J. Geniuk
answered on Oct 28, 2014

Animals are considered personal property. Unless you have been given unrestricted access to the other person's home, I would not recommend going into the home and retrieving the dog, as your entry into the home could be considered trespassing, which might get you in legal trouble. If you HAVE... View More

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