MO HB258

Eliminates strict liability for livestock owners when their animals trespass on another person's property, replacing the previous system that required owners to pay damages for trespass incidents

Creates new offense of "tampering with farm equipment" for unauthorized defacing, modifying, destroying, or relocating farm equipment, punishable as a class A misdemeanor or class E felony if damages exceed $1,000

Distinguishes between animal trespass (no time requirement) and livestock trespass (requires 12+ hours of failing to provide adequate control) for determining violations

Animal/livestock trespass remains an infraction for first offense, escalating to class C misdemeanor for repeat violations, with fines waivable if permanent remedies are implemented

Removes "adequate control" from statutory animal welfare definitions and relocates it specifically to the animal/livestock trespass section