Columbia Responsibility of parent or guardian of minor ordinance (§ 5-13)
Chapter 5: Animals and Fowl · Article I. In General
In short: If a minor child owns, controls or harbors an animal, the child's parent or guardian is responsible for making sure the animal gets adequate care.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
The parent or guardian of a minor child is responsible for the adequate care of any animal owned by, in the control of, or harbored by that minor child.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 5-13
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.