HB 426 -- Large Carnivore Act

Sponsor:  Sutherland

This bill establishes the Large Carnivore Act which prohibits any
person from owning, breeding, possessing, transferring ownership,
or transporting a large carnivore unless he or she has a permit.
"Large carnivore" is defined as any cat of the Felidae family
that is nonnative to this state held in captivity excluding any
common domestic or house cat or any species of bear that is
nonnative to this state and held in captivity.  The Division of
Animal Health within the Department of Agriculture is required to
implement and enforce the provisions of the bill.

Any person who owns or possesses a large carnivore is liable in a
civil action for the death or injury of a human or another animal
and for any property damage caused by the large carnivore.  If a
large carnivore escapes or is released intentionally or
unintentionally, the owner is required to immediately notify law
enforcement and is liable for all expenses associated with the
efforts to recapture the large carnivore.  As a condition of
being permitted to own a large carnivore, the owner is required
to show proof of having liability insurance in an amount of not
less than $250,000 and annually provide verification to the
department that the insurance is being maintained.

Requirements for the permitting, confinement, handling,
sanitation, feeding, transporting, identification, veterinary
care, seizure, and euthanasia of large carnivores are specified.
The requirements are in addition to any applicable state or
federal law and do not preclude any local political subdivision
from adopting more restrictive laws.  Certain entities, law
enforcement officers, animal control officers, veterinarians, and
department employees are exempt from the bill.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:24 am