St. Louis prohibits keeping animals in numbers or conditions that exceed an owner's ability to provide minimum standards of nutrition, sanitation, shelter, and veterinary care under Title VI of the Revised Code.
Title VI of the St. Louis Revised Code authorizes Animal Care and Control to investigate complaints where dogs, cats, or other companion animals are confined in unsanitary conditions, inadequate space, or denied veterinary care. The pet limit ordinance caps total dogs and cats per dwelling, and inspectors may seek warrants under MO Chapter 578 cruelty statutes. Hoarding cases often trigger coordinated response with city Department of Health, the LRA Animal Care division, and St. Louis County prosecutors. Convictions can include forfeiture of animals, mental-health evaluation, and bans on future ownership.
Citations issued by Animal Care and Control; impoundment and forfeiture of animals; misdemeanor charges under MO §578.012; civil costs for boarding, veterinary care, and rehabilitation can be assessed against owners.
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis limits households to 4 dogs and 4 cats over 6 months of age without a kennel license under SLRC 10.04.050. Exceeding the limit requires a multi-ani...
St. Louis, MO
Dogs in St. Louis must be leashed in all public places under SLRC 10.08.010. Maximum leash length is 8 feet. Off-leash is permitted only within designated do...
See how St. Louis's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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