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Animal and dog injury law in Missouri covers the rules and responsibilities that arise when a person is injured by an animal, most often a dog bite or attack. Missouri’s laws determine when an animal owner is liable for injuries their pet causes and what compensation victims may be entitled to. This area of law aims to protect the public from dangerous animals and help ensure responsible pet ownership, while providing clear processes for victims to pursue claims.
People may need legal assistance with animal or dog injury incidents for several reasons. Dog bites can cause serious physical harm, emotional trauma, and financial burdens due to medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care. Some situations that often require legal help include disputes over liability, difficulty obtaining fair compensation from insurance companies, questions about local ordinances, or when the owner denies responsibility. Sometimes, victims must defend themselves against accusations that they provoked the animal or trespassed, further complicating the process. A lawyer can navigate Missouri’s complex legal requirements, gather evidence, and advocate for your best interests.
Missouri law takes a strict approach in cases of dog bites and most animal attacks. Unlike some states that require proof of a previous history of aggression, Missouri’s dog bite statute (Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 273.036) holds dog owners liable when their animal bites a person without provocation, as long as the victim is lawfully on private or public property. The owner is responsible for damages even if the animal had never acted aggressively before.
In addition to state law, cities and counties may have ordinances addressing leash laws, animal confinement, reporting requirements, and procedures for declaring an animal dangerous or vicious. Some localities impose additional penalties or may require owners to carry insurance or take special precautions if their animal has a history of aggression.
You generally need to show that the dog bit you, you were lawfully on the property where the bite occurred, you did not provoke the animal, and you suffered damages as a result, such as medical bills or lost wages.
No, Missouri follows a "strict liability" rule for dog bites. The owner can be liable even if their dog has never bitten anyone or shown aggressive behavior before.
You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, emotional distress or permanent impairment.
Missouri uses a comparative fault system. If you were partly to blame (for example, you provoked the animal), your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you may still recover some damages.
In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy will cover injuries caused by their animal, up to policy limits. If there is no insurance, the owner is personally responsible.
Seek medical attention, document your injuries, get the animal owner’s contact information, report the incident to local animal control or the police, and take photographs of your injuries and the location.
Yes, Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including animal and dog injuries. You must file your lawsuit within this period or risk losing your right to compensation.
In some cases, yes. If a landlord knew about a tenant’s dangerous animal and failed to take reasonable action, they could be held liable, but these cases are usually more complex than claims against owners.
Possibly. If the dog is classified as “dangerous” and was not properly restrained, or if the owner knowingly allowed a dangerous animal to injure someone, criminal charges could apply under state or local laws.
The animal may be quarantined for rabies observation, evaluated by animal control, or, in severe or repeat cases, possibly declared dangerous or euthanized per court or animal control order.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services provides information about rabies and animal bite procedures. Local animal control agencies and health departments can assist with reporting incidents and enforcing animal regulations. The Missouri Bar Association and local bar associations offer lawyer referral services and educational materials on personal injury and dog bite law. Animal welfare organizations may also offer guidance and support for both victims and responsible pet owners.
If you or a loved one has been injured by an animal or suffered a dog bite in Missouri, it is important to act quickly. Start by obtaining appropriate medical care. Report the incident to your local animal control authority and gather any documentation, including photos, witness information, and medical records. Consulting with an experienced Missouri personal injury lawyer who understands local animal and dog injury laws can help protect your rights, assess your claim, and guide you through the legal process. Many lawyers offer free consultations, so you can discuss your case and determine the best way forward without upfront costs.
