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HB 2825

Increases the penalties for the offense of animal abuse

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jo Doll

Missouri HB 2825 would raise penalties for animal abuse to deter cruelty and impose harsher sanctions for offenders.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#animals #crimesandpunishment #criminalprocedure
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Bill Summary · HB 2825

Overview

HB 2825 (2026) from Missouri seeks to increase penalties for the offense of animal abuse. The bill’s primary aim is to strengthen consequences for individuals who harm or mistreat animals, signaling a tougher stance on animal-cruelty offenses.

Purpose and intent

  • To deter animal abuse by raising statutory penalties.
  • To provide clearer, possibly higher, sanctions that reflect the severity of cruelty to animals.
  • To align penalties with evolving standards of animal welfare concerns in the state.

Key provisions and changes

  • Increases in penalties for the offense of animal abuse. (Exact penalty amounts, tiers, or sentencing ranges are not specified in the available summary; the bill would modify existing statutory penalties to be more severe.)
  • Potentially introduces higher fines, longer jail terms, or enhanced sentencing enhancements for repeat offenders, depending on the bill’s final language.
  • May establish enhanced penalties for aggravating factors (e.g., abuse of certain animals, repeated offenses, commercial or organized-aid contexts, or abuse resulting in death or serious injury).

Note: The precise structure (e.g., misdemeanor vs. felony levels, mandatory minimums, or aggravating factors) would be defined in the enacted text of HB 2825.

Who/what would be affected

  • Offenders convicted of animal abuse in Missouri would face higher penalties.
  • Courts and prosecutors would apply the enhanced penalties during charging, sentencing, and disposition.
  • Animal welfare organizations and law enforcement could experience increased attention to enforcement and reporting of abuse cases.
  • Defendants in animal-cruelty cases would need to account for stricter consequences in plea negotiations and trial strategy.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introductory status: Introduced and read First Time in the House on January 7, 2026.
  • Second Reading: Read in the House on January 8, 2026.
  • Referral: Referred to the Emerging Issues committee (H) on May 15, 2026.
  • The bill’s passage depends on committee action, floor votes, and potential reconciliation with any Senate companion or amendments. If approved, it would proceed to the governor for signature or veto.

Additional notes

  • Co-sponsor: Jo Doll.
  • Specifics such as exact penalty amounts, tiers, and any effective dates are not provided in the available information and would be contained in the bill’s full text upon passage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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