MO HB1926

Requires releasing agencies (pounds, shelters, humane societies, rescue groups) to ensure all dogs and cats are spayed or neutered before adoption, with limited exceptions.

Allows exemptions for animals under four months old (with written agreement to spay/neuter within 30 business days of reaching four months) or those with medical conditions preventing the procedure (pending veterinary clearance).

Requires adopters to submit a deposit of at least $50 to the releasing agency, which is refunded upon presentation of veterinary confirmation that the spaying or neutering was completed.

Permits strays being returned for the first or second time to be released without the procedure if owners pay an additional $75 impoundment fee; requires spaying or neutering for all third and subsequent impoundments.

Forfeited deposits (unclaimed 30 business days after the spay/neuter deadline) must be used by releasing agencies for public education, animal spay/neuter programs, follow-up programs, and compliance costs.