MO HB1404

Repeals section 578.009 and creates two new sections (578.009 and 578.017) relating to animal neglect, abandonment, and control.

Defines animal neglect as failing to provide adequate care or control when owning or having custody of an animal, resulting in substantial harm; defines abandonment as knowingly abandoning an animal without provisions for adequate care.

Makes animal neglect and abandonment a class C misdemeanor on first conviction (up to $500 fine or imprisonment) and class B misdemeanor on subsequent convictions (up to $1,000 fine or imprisonment); allows courts to waive fines if adequate remedies are made.

Creates new crime of "failure to adequately control an animal" as a class C misdemeanor (class B on second or subsequent offense) when an owner intentionally or recklessly fails to control an animal that bites or injures a person.

Excludes farming practices, lawful hunting, and search and rescue from the failure to control charge; provides exemption if the injured person taunted, provoked, or harmed the animal.