Velda City, MO Article III Animal Abuse, Neglect and Abandonment

Section 205.200 Determination of Animal Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment; Violations and Penalties; Parent Responsible for Minor Child.

[Ord. No. 664 §1, 10-9-2013]

A. A person is guilty of animal abuse when he/she:

1. Intentionally or purposely kills an animal in any manner not allowed by, or expressly authorized under, State law;

2. Purposely or intentionally causes injury or suffering to an animal;

3. Has custody or ownership or both of an animal and fails to provide adequate care or adequate control.

B. A person is guilty of animal neglect when he/she has custody or ownership or both of an animal and fails to provide adequate care or adequate control, which results in substantial harm to the animal.

C. A person is guilty of animal abandonment when he/she knowingly abandons an animal in any place without making provisions for its adequate care.

D. Punishment for a first conviction for animal neglect or abandonment is by imprisonment for up to fifteen (15) days or a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) or both. A second or subsequent conviction shall be punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed thirty (30) days or a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or both. All fines and penalties for a first conviction of animal neglect or abandonment may be waived by the court, provided that the person found guilty of animal neglect or abandonment shows that adequate, permanent remedies for the neglect or abandonment have been made. Reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of neglected or abandoned animals may not be waived.

E. In addition to any other penalty imposed by this Section, the court may order a person found guilty of animal neglect or abandonment to pay all reasonable costs and expenses necessary for:

1. The care and maintenance of neglected or abandoned animals within the person's custody or ownership;

2. The disposal of any dead or diseased animals within the person's custody or ownership;

3. The reduction of resulting organic debris affecting the immediate area of the neglect or abandonment; and

4. The avoidance or minimization of any public health risks created by the neglect or abandonment of the animals.

F. The parent or guardian of a minor child is responsible for the adequate care of any animal owned by or in the control of or harbored by that minor child.