1. A person commits the offense of knowingly releasing an animal if he or she, acting without the consent of the owner or custodian of an animal, intentionally releases any animal that is lawfully confined for the purpose of companionship or protection of persons or property or for recreation, exhibition or educational purposes.

2. As used in this section “animal” means every living creature, domesticated or wild, but not including Homo sapiens.

Attorney's Note

Under the Missouri Laws, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Class E felonyup to 4 yearsup to $10,000
Class B misdemeanorup to 6 monthsup to $1,000
For details, see Mo. Rev. Stat.§ 558.011
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Terms Used In Missouri Laws 578.029

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Missouri Laws 1.020
  • Property: includes real and personal property. See Missouri Laws 1.020

3. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a public servant acting in the course of such servant’s official duties.

4. The offense of intentionally releasing an animal is a class B misdemeanor, unless the defendant has previously been found guilty of a violation under this section, in which case it is a class E felony.