Hallsville Animal Neglect ordinance (§ 205.300)

A. A person commits the offense of animal neglect if he or she:

1. Has custody or ownership of an animal and fails to provide adequate care; or

2. Knowingly abandons an animal in any place without making provisions for its adequate care.

B. In cases of heat related animal neglect, the owner may retrieve the animal from the designated animal impoundment facility.

C. In cases of long term animal neglect or abuse, the animal will remain in the custody of the designated animal impoundment facility until the animal neglect case has been adjudicated in court and ownership is determined by the court.

D. All fines and penalties for a first finding of guilt under this Section may be waived by the court if the person found guilty of animal neglect shows that adequate, permanent remedies for the neglect have been made. Reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of neglected animals may not be waived. This Section shall not apply to the provisions of Section 578.007, RSMo., or Chapter 272, RSMo.

E. In addition to any other penalty imposed by this Section 578.009, RSMo., the court may order a person found guilty of animal neglect to pay all reasonable costs and expenses necessary for:

1. The care and maintenance of neglected animals within the person's custody or ownership;

2. The disposal of any dead or diseased animals within the person's custody or ownership;

3. The reduction of resulting organic debris affecting the immediate area of the neglect; and

4. The avoidance or minimization of any public health risks created by the neglect of the animals.