Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Clay County

Clay County, MO Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State Preemption: None; cities may ban breeds
Gladstone: Pit bulls presumed dangerous
Liberty: Repealed pit bull ban, 2019
Unincorporated County: No breed ban
State Law: Dangerous dog, MO §578.024

Summary

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pass breed laws, and Clay County is split: Gladstone presumes pit bulls dangerous under a 2007 ordinance, while Liberty repealed its long-standing pit bull ban in 2019 and now judges dogs by behavior.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clay County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A person commits the offense of keeping a dangerous dog if he or she owns or possesses a dog that has previously bitten a person or a domestic animal without provocation and that dog bites any person on a subsequent occasion.

Source: Revised Statutes of MissouriView official code

Full Breakdown

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 Liberty banned pit bulls from 1987 until voters repealed the ban in April 2019; Liberty now regulates dogs individually through a dangerous-dog ordinance keyed to behavior, not breed.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.

Violations & Fines

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pit bulls banned in Clay County?

Only in some cities. Gladstone presumes any pit bull a dangerous dog and restricts ownership; Liberty repealed its ban in 2019 and now judges dogs by behavior; unincorporated county has no breed ban.

How does Missouri treat dangerous dogs?

By behavior, not breed. Section 578.024 makes it a crime to keep a dog that bites again without provocation after a prior bite, with penalties rising to a felony if someone is seriously hurt or killed.

Sources & Official References

[1]Revised Statutes of Missouri

Other rules in Clay County

Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions BeekeepingFew Restrictions Wildlife FeedingSignificant Restrictions Fire Regulations: Brush ClearanceSignificant Restrictions Public Conduct: Public Alcohol UseSome Restrictions Special Events & Permits: Park Event PermitsSignificant Restrictions Special Events & Permits: Street Fair RulesSignificant Restrictions Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor PermitsLight Restrictions Trash & Recycling: Illegal DumpingSome Restrictions

All Clay County rules

How Clay County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Clay County to another location·View the Missouri animal ordinances overview

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