HCS HB 1441 -- LARGE CARNIVORE ACT (Sutherland)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN:  Agriculture Policy

This substitute establishes the Large Carnivore Act which
prohibits the owning, breeding, possession, transferring of
ownership, or transporting of "large carnivores," defined as
certain nonnative cats of the Felidae family or any species of
bear except as provided in the substitute.

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 for each large carnivore.

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 officials, animal control officers, and veterinarians
are exempt from the substitute.

The penalty for violations varies according to the severity of
the offense.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:43 am