FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 324

91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES HOLLINGSWORTH AND HANAWAY (Co-sponsors).

Read 1st time January 10, 2001, and 1000 copies ordered printed.

TED WEDEL, Chief Clerk

0947L.01I

AN ACT

To amend chapter 566, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to beastiality, with penalty provisions.



Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

Section A. Chapter 566, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 566.111, to read as follows:

566.111. 1. For purposes of this section, the following terms mean:

(1) "Animal", every creature, either alive or dead, other than a human being;

(2) "Sexual conduct with an animal", any touching of an animal with the genitals or any touching of the genitals or anus of an animal for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire.

2. No person shall engage in any sexual conduct with an animal, or cause, aid or abet another person to engage in any sexual conduct with an animal. No person shall permit any sexual conduct with an animal on any premises under such person's charge or control. No person shall engage in, promote, aid or abet any activity involving any sexual conduct with an animal for commercial or recreational purposes.

3. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a class D felony. Any person who violates this section in the presence of a minor or causes any animal serious physical injury or death while violating or attempting to violate this section shall be guilty of a class C felony.

4. In addition to the penalty imposed, the court may:

(1) Prohibit the defendant permanently or for a reasonable time from harboring animals or residing in any household where animals are present;

(2) Order the defendant to relinquish and permanently forfeit all animals residing in the defendant's household to a recognized or duly incorporated animal shelter or humane society, and order the defendant to reimburse such shelter or humane society for all reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of the animals involved in the violation of this section; and

(3) Order psychological evaluation and counseling of the defendant, at the defendant's expense.

5. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit generally accepted animal husbandry practices or generally accepted veterinary medical practices performed by a licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician.

6. Any person acting under authority of this section may seize any and all animals involved in the alleged violation. The defendant charged with violating this section shall be provided a disposition hearing pursuant to section 578.018, RSMo.


Missouri House of Representatives