HB 1847 -- Wild Animals

Sponsor:  Low (39)

This bill prohibits a person from knowingly possessing,
harboring, selling, bartering, transferring, exchanging, or
importing any wild animal for use as a pet in Missouri.  Certain
federally licensed entities, research facilities, nonresidents,
state universities or other state agencies, and wildlife
sanctuaries are exempt from the prohibition.  Licensed
veterinarians and certain animal welfare organizations in
temporary possession of wild animals are also exempt if they
notify the Department of Agriculture within 48 hours of obtaining
custody of the animal.

Persons currently in possession of a wild animal may retain
possession for the remainder of the animal's life if the owner
has not been convicted of any offense related to animal cruelty;
applies to the department within 60 days for a permit authorizing
possession; does not breed the animal; and complies with the
rules established by the department regarding the care,
treatment, handling, control, documentation, required liability
insurance, and reporting of a wild animal.  Annual permit fees of
not less than $20 will be established by the department.  Fines
for certain violations of the law regarding wild animals are
specified.

Nothing in the bill restricts any city, town, or village from
passing more restrictive provisions governing the possession of
wild animals for use as pets.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:11 pm