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2012 Missouri Legislative SessionLegislation Introduced
The 2012 legislative session convened on January 4, 2012. Below is a listing of animal-related legislation that the Alliance will be monitoring. The session concludes on May 18 at 6:00 p.m.
ISSUES OF PRIORITY TO THE ALLIANCE THIS SESSION
DOG FIGHTING DISPOSTION: Would allow for a disposition hearing of dogs seized by law enforcement authorities if there is probable cause that such dogs were subject to dog fighting. A judge would have to approve such disposition. This would allow such dogs to be removed from a dangerous environment and be given the opportunity for rehabilitation and adoption. This disposition could take place within thirty (30) days so that these dogs would not have to be held indefinitely. Such a law will encourage law enforcement officials to investigate dog fighting which is still common in Missouri. Currently, dogfight complaints and tips receive little, if any, follow-up as it is cost prohibitive for municipalities to house and care for fighting dogs for an extended period of time. Due process would be ensured as three (3) elected officials would have to be involved in such decisions: the Sheriff, District Attorney, and a Judge.
TAXES ON SHELTERS AND RESCUES: Would eliminate ACFA license fees on non-profit shelters and rescue groups. These charitable entities have been exempt from paying a license fee in the past in recognition of their important role in keeping stray animals off the streets and protecting the public from disease and other health problems that result from the irresponsible acts of others. Rescues and shelters provide a community service and should be exempt from such taxes once again to allow them to dedicate all of their assets to the care of animals.
Right to Raise Livestock Affirms the right of Missouri citizens to raise livestock in a humane manner without the state imposing an undue economic burden on their owners. This would preclude any improvements in anti-cruelty laws for farm animals and could even apply to companion animals as the term livestock is not defined. Crimes to Service Animals Changes the elements of the crime of causing substantial injury or death to a service animal. Prohibits Disposition of Animals Prohibits disposition of animals seized or removed from an owner until final disposition of the charges against the owner have been determined. Prohibits Rights for Animals The laws of this state shall not confer upon any animal a right, privilege or legal status that is equivalent to or that exceeds a right, privilege or legal status as that which this state confers by law upon a human being. This provision shall not be construed as limiting laws that protect the welfare of animals in the state. Changes to Initiative Petition Process Proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting any change by the General Assembly to a statute as approved by voters through the initiative petition process unless the percentage of votes in favor of such changes in each chamber equals or exceeds the percentage of votes on the original measure as submitted by the voters. Pertaining to Proposed Ballot Initiative Language Proposed a constitutional amendment authorizing the establishment of a Fair Ballot Commission to determine the propriety and correctness of proposed ballot language submitted by initiative or referendum. Changes to Constitution by Initiative Petition Proposes a constitutional amendment requiring that the number of voter signatures that are required to plan an initiative petition on a ballot to amend the constitution or for a referendum to be signed by eight percent of the legal voters in EACH of the congressional districts in the state instead of two-thirds of the congressional districts in the state. Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote for Conservation Issues Proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds majority for voter approval of any initiative petition relating to harvesting bird, fish, game, wildlife, or forestry resources. Places an unfair burden on ballot initiatives affecting wildlife as compared to other ballot initiatives. Pertaining to Ballot Initiative Petition Process Proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the approval by both a majority of votes cast statewide and a majority of votes case in each Congressional district for any amendment to take effect that was implemented by a ballot initiative. Constitutional Amendment Affirming the Right to Raise Livestock Proposes a constitutional amendment affirming the right of persons to raise livestock in a humane manner without the state imposing an undue economic burden on their owners. It further states that no law criminalizing the welfare of any livestock shall be valid unless based upon generally accepted scientific principles and enacted by the general assembly. This would preclude any improvements in anti-cruelty laws for farm animals and could even apply to companion animals as the term livestock is not defined. This would also invalidate the current prohibition on cockfighting and bear baiting. Rabies Vaccination of Dogs and Cats Requires all owners to have their dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian. Exceptions do apply. Nonhumane Primate Act Creates the Nonhuman Primate Act requiring owners to apply for a permit to possess a nonhuman primate. |
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