Missouri RSMo 578.009 and 578.012 universally criminalize animal neglect, abandonment, and abuse, applying to hoarding situations regardless of municipal limits and authorizing courts to order cost recovery, animal forfeiture, and ownership bans.
RSMo 578.009 makes it an offense to have custody of an animal and fail to provide adequate care, or knowingly abandon an animal without arrangements for its care. First convictions are class C misdemeanors and subsequent offenses class B misdemeanors. RSMo 578.012 covers intentional abuse, escalating to a class E felony for torture or repeat offenses. Courts may order restitution for shelter and veterinary costs and forfeiture of animals. Missouri's adequate-care standard (RSMo 578.005) applies statewide and supplies the minimum baseline that local hoarding ordinances must meet or exceed.
First neglect offense: class C misdemeanor (up to $500). Repeat: class B misdemeanor (up to $1,000). Aggravated abuse: class E felony with cost recovery and forfeiture.
Springfield, MO
Springfield prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and to...
Springfield, MO
Springfield regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new ...
Springfield, MO
Springfield regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Springfield, MO
Springfield requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Springfield, MO
Springfield requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Springfield, MO
Springfield may have wildfire hazard zones requiring defensible space around structures, fire-resistant building materials, and vegetation management.
See how Springfield's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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