SB 666 Summary

• Repeals and replaces regulations on large carnivore possession, requiring permits from the Missouri Department of Agriculture for ownership, breeding, transport, and possession of nonnative large cats (tiger, lion, jaguar, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah) and nonnative bears held in captivity.

• Establishes permit requirements including microchip identification, veterinary care documentation, and proof of liability insurance of at least $50,000 per occurrence; applicants must be at least 18 years old and cannot have prior animal cruelty convictions or felonies within 10 years.

• Creates new "Nonhuman Primate Act" regulating possession of baboons and great apes (chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas), requiring permits with similar identification, veterinary, and liability insurance requirements; intentional release constitutes a Class D felony.

• Imposes civil liability on owners for death, injury, or property damage caused by these animals; allows law enforcement to kill dangerous animals posing immediate threats to humans, livestock, or pets without civil liability.

• Establishes that permit and application information remains confidential under Chapter 610, except for law enforcement emergency situations; allows political subdivisions to adopt more restrictive ordinances.