1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. Family Law
  4.  » Missouri Orders of Protection-Pets now included-Senate Bill 71

Missouri Orders of Protection-Pets now included-Senate Bill 71

On Behalf of | Aug 8, 2021 | Family Law

“Abusing a pet”, defined as “purposely or knowingly causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to cause physical injury to a pet with intent to control, punish, intimidate, or distress the petitioner” is one of the grounds the court may consider in issuing an Order of Protection. “Pet” is defined as “a living creature maintained by a household member for companionship and not for commercial purposes”.

R.S.Mo. 455.045 (2)(b)(5) now allows “A temporary order of possession of pets where appropriate” and temporary orders may include temporarily enjoining the respondent from committing or threatening to commit violence against a pet. R.S. Mo. 4550.050 (3)(b)(13): Permanent orders may do likewise, and make provision for “any moneys necessary to cover medical costs that may have resulted from abuse of the pet.”