HB 901 -- Large Carnivore Act

Sponsor:  Sutherland

This bill 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
specified in 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 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 bill.

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

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:20 am