Repeals section 273.100 relating to impounding of dogs

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dirk Deaton

HB 2770 would remove the state-level authority to impound dogs by repealing Section 273.100, shifting regulation to local laws.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#agriculture #departmentof #animals

Bill summary: HB 2770 (Missouri, 2026)

Purpose and intent

The bill repeals Section 273.100, which governs the impounding of dogs. By removing this statutory provision, the bill effectively ends or eliminates the existing state-level framework specifically authorizing the impoundment of dogs under that section.

The sponsor is Rep. Dirk Deaton (co-sponsor).

Key provisions and changes

Repeal of Section 273.100: The core action of the bill is to repeal the statutory authority that authorizes or governs impounding of dogs under Section 273.100. The text of the provision being repealed is not provided, but the repeal removes the statutory basis for dog impoundment at the state level.

No replacement language is included in the bill as introduced (based on available information). Therefore, the bill does not appear to substitute or redirect the authority to another section within the same chapter, at least in the version you provided.

Effects and who is affected

Local authorities, animal control agencies, and law enforcement that previously relied on Section 273.100 for impounding dogs would lose that specific statutory basis.

Municipalities or counties may need to rely on other laws or local ordinances to regulate dog impoundment, if such authority exists in general animal control statutes or in local ordinances.

Dog owners and the public could experience changes in enforcement options and processes related to seized or impounded dogs, depending on whether alternative state or local mechanisms remain in effect.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history:

Introduced and Read First Time: January 7, 2026
Read Second Time: January 8, 2026
Referred to Emerging Issues (H): May 15, 2026

The bill is currently in committee (as of the latest action), with potential future steps including committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the House.

The legislative timeline beyond the current referral is not provided; typical progression would include vote by the House, potential consideration by the Senate, and any final approval or veto considerations.

Practical considerations and considerations for stakeholders

If enacted, agencies and municipalities will need to review local ordinances and other statutes to determine how dog impoundment authority will be handled in the absence of Section 273.100.

There may be concerns about public safety, animal welfare, and due process if impoundment authority becomes less explicit or relies on alternative legal mechanisms.

Animal welfare advocates and law enforcement should monitor whether other statutory provisions remain sufficient to address dangerous dogs, neglect cases, licensing, and humane handling.

Note: The available information focuses on the repealing provision and does not include any proposed replacement sections or broader reforms. For a complete understanding, the actual text of HB 2770 and any fiscal notes, impact statements, or amended statutes would be needed.