Missouri lets cities pass breed laws, and Clay County is split: Gladstone presumes pit bulls dangerous under a 2007 ordinance, while Liberty repealed its long-standing pit bull ban in 2019 and now judges dogs by behavior.
Missouri does not preempt breed-specific legislation, so the rule depends on which Clay County city you live in. Gladstone, under Ordinance 4.022 effective in 2007, presumes any pit bull breed dog to be a dangerous dog and limits an owner to one such dog with added confinement duties. Liberty banned pit bulls from 1987 until voters repealed the ban in April 2019; Liberty now regulates dogs individually through a dangerous-dog ordinance keyed to behavior, not breed. Unincorporated Clay County has no breed ban. Statewide, Section 578.024 makes keeping a dangerous dog a crime once it bites again after a prior unprovoked bite.
In Gladstone, a pit bull owner who ignores the dangerous-dog requirements faces citations and possible seizure. Statewide, a subsequent bite by a previously biting dog is at least a Class B misdemeanor under Section 578.024, rising with injury.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Gladstone, MO
Gladstone's Code of Ordinances (Title IX, Chapter 1000) prohibits parking vehicles on the grass and requires that any vehicle or trailer be parked on an appr...
Clay County, MO
Clay County 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.
Clay County, MO
Clay County requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Clay County, MO
Clay County may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.
Clay County, MO
Clay County limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to pro...
Clay County, MO
Unincorporated Clay County does not regulate holiday lights, inflatables, or yard displays on private property, and Missouri has no state law on them. No cou...
See how Gladstone's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.