Missouri SB 754/HB1719

Under current law, the offense of assault on a law enforcement animal is a Class C misdemeanor. This act provides that the offense of assault on a law enforcement animal is a Class A misdemeanor, if the law enforcement animal is not injured to the point of requiring veterinary care or treatment; a Class E felony if the law enforcement animal is seriously injured to the point of requiring veterinary care or treatment; and a Class D felony if the assault results in the death of such animal. Additionally, exemptions to the offenses of agroterrorism, animal neglect, and animal abuse shall not apply to the killing or injuring of a law enforcement animal while working. Finally, this act adds that any dog that is owned by or in the service of a law enforcement agency and that bites or injures another animal or human is exempt from the penalties of the offense of animal abuse.