{"id":374474,"date":"2019-08-02T14:50:52","date_gmt":"2019-08-02T19:50:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-dog-bite-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-06-20T14:20:45","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T19:20:45","slug":"missouri-dog-bite-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-dog-bite-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Missouri Dog Bite Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Missouri Dog Bite Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/kit-yona-m-a\/\">Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 20, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>It\u2019s sometimes easy to forget that our furry buddies can cause <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/dog-bites-animal-attacks.html\">serious injuries<\/a>. Being a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/dog-bites-and-animal-attack-overview.html\">victim of a dog bite<\/a> can be horrifying. But being the owner of a dog accused of biting someone is no easy thing either.<\/p>\r\n<p>It\u2019s important to understand how Missouri dog bite laws work. In this article, we\u2019ll look into what you should do if you\u2019re bitten by a dog, who may be liable for damages, the risks involved with owning a dangerous dog, and other topics as well.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Missouri Dog Bite Laws Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Over <a href=\"https:\/\/www.avma.org\/resources-tools\/pet-owners\/dog-bite-prevention\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">4.5 million people suffer a dog bite injury<\/a> in the United States every year. So, it\u2019s not surprising that Missouri has laws in place to protect people from aggressive dogs. These laws have evolved over the years. For example:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>All dogs over the age of six months must be licensed and registered.<\/li>\r\n<li>Missouri does not have a <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mo\/title-xxxviii-crimes-and-punishment-peace-officers-and-public-defenders\/mo-rev-st-578-005\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">specific statewide leash law<\/a><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">, but the owner of a dog is expected to keep them properly restrained.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Municipalities can also impose their own restrictions. In St. Louis, for example, dogs must be leashed when off their owner\u2019s property unless they\u2019re in a designated dog exercise park.&nbsp;Kansas City Ordinance <a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/mo\/kansas_city\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH14AN_S14-33DOVIPOPIRULAPR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">14-33 404<\/a>, also known as the leash law, prohibits dogs from roaming free in public areas.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Liability, Negligence, and the One-Bite Rule<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>Missouri used to follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/what-is-the-one-bite-rule.html\">one-bite rule<\/a>. That meant that an owner wasn\u2019t considered to be at fault if their dog had never exhibited any signs of being a danger previously. A dog was allowed one free bite before its owner could be liable for subsequent bites.<\/p>\r\n<p>In 2009, Missouri adopted the more stringent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/injured\/2015\/02\/what-is-strict-liability-how-does-it-affect-injury-lawsuits.html\">strict liability<\/a> standard. Missouri dog owners have been on more precarious legal ground ever since. When a dog bites someone in Missouri, it no longer matters if it was the animal\u2019s first bite on record. The dog&#8217;s owner is strictly liable for any injuries or damages the dog causes.<\/p>\r\n<p>Missouri also follows the doctrine of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-negligence-laws.html#:~:text=Missouri%20is%20a%20pure%20comparative,the%20defendant%27s%20degree%20of%20fault.\">comparative negligence<\/a>. So, the amount of damages that may be awarded to the victim of the dog attack can be reduced if it is determined that they were partially responsible for the incident.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Dangerous Dogs<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>In Missouri, a dog is <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mo\/title-xxxviii-crimes-and-punishment-peace-officers-and-public-defenders\/mo-rev-st-578-024.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">considered to be dangerous<\/a> if it\u2019s previously attacked a person or another animal without provocation. If you own a dangerous dog and it attacks without being provoked again, not only will you have civil liability, but you may face criminal charges as well\u2014some of them serious.<\/p>\r\n<p>Keeping a dangerous dog is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/misdemeanors.html\">class B misdemeanor<\/a>. The following transgressions increase the penalty:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Causes a serious injury<\/b>: Class A misdemeanor<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Causes multiple serious injuries<\/b>: Class E felony<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Causes the death of any person<\/b>: Class D felony<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If you\u2019re convicted of any of these crimes, your dog can be seized by an animal control officer and placed in impound for 10 days. Unless you can successfully appeal, your dog will be humanely euthanized.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>What To Do if You\u2019ve Been Attacked by a Dog<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If you suffer a personal injury from a dog attack, the first and most important thing you should do is seek <a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/if-a-dog-bites-you-do-these-7-things-now\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">medical attention<\/a>. Even if the wound is minor, the chance of infection is very real. If possible, you should try to gather information from any witnesses. Also, ask the dog&#8217;s owner if it is up to date on its vaccinations.<\/p>\r\n<p>It\u2019s also important to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/how-to-file-a-dog-bite-report.html\">file a dog bite report<\/a> with the local authorities. The local animal control officer will be alerted by the doctor treating your dog bite injury. But it\u2019s still crucial to have your report on file as you seek coverage for your medical expenses. Insurance companies may try to avoid paying your medical bills unless you\u2019ve taken this step.<\/p>\r\n<p>Depending on <a href=\"https:\/\/apdt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/ian-dunbar-dog-bite-scale.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">how serious your dog bite injury<\/a> is, you might consider filing a dog bite lawsuit, for which having the report filed is absolutely necessary. If you need any legal advice, speaking with an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/animal-bites-plaintiff\/missouri\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">injury lawyer<\/a> specializing in dog bite cases might be a good idea.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Recapping Missouri Dog Bite Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>We\u2019ve already touched on the statutes above, but the chart below may be helpful in providing a clearer understanding of Missouri\u2019s dog bite laws.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><td><p><b>Dog-Related Laws<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Missouri Revised Statutes, <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mo\/title-xvii-agriculture-and-animals\/mo-rev-st-273-036.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 273.036<\/a> (civil liability) and <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mo\/title-xxxviii-crimes-and-punishment-peace-officers-and-public-defenders\/mo-rev-st-578-024.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">578.024<\/a> (penalties for keeping a dangerous dog)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><b>Strict Liability<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>The owner of a dog that bites is liable for damages:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>If the dog was not provoked<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>If the injured person was on public property or lawfully on private property<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Regardless of the dog\u2019s previous temperament<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><b>Comparative Negligence<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>If the injured person had any fault in the incident, the damages owed by the dog owner may be reduced by the percentage that is deemed to be the fault of the injured person.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><b>Penalties<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>A fine up to $1,000, which is apart from any civil remedies that may be sought by the injured party<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><b>Related Laws<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mo\/title-xvii-agriculture-and-animals\/mo-rev-st-273-020.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 273.020<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>The owner of a dog who kills or maims sheep or other domestic animals may be liable for the damage<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>It is lawful for anyone to kill the dog<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>The owner \u201cshall forthwith\u201d kill the dog or pay a fine of $1 per day<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><b>Criminal Penalties<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mo\/title-xxxviii-crimes-and-punishment-peace-officers-and-public-defenders\/mo-rev-st-578-024.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 578.024<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n<p>A person commits the offense of keeping a dangerous dog if the animal has previously bitten a person or domestic animal without provocation and then does it again. This is a class B misdemeanor unless the attack:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Results in serious injury, making it a class A misdemeanor<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Results in a serious injury, as did any previous attack, making it a class E felony<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Results in the death of a person, making it a class D felony<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><b>Defenses to Dog Bite Claims<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Here are some common defenses to dog bite claims:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>The dog was provoked<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>The dog was responding to a wrongful act by the injured person<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>The injured party was trespassing<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i><b>Note:<\/b><\/i> <i>State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts that include federal decisions, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Common Questions About Dog Bites in Missouri<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The details of your dog bite situation may differ from those of others. But there are some common threads between dog bite cases. Below are some frequently asked questions that may contain additional information you\u2019ll find useful.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>How long do I have to file a claim for a dog bite?<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>The amount of time you have to file a claim is called the statute of limitations. Once it passes, your window to act has closed. In Missouri, you have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-statutes-of-limitations.html\">five years from the day of the attack<\/a> to file a personal injury claim.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you have any questions about the process, consider talking with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/animal-bites-plaintiff\/missouri\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dog bite lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>If my dog needs to be quarantined after a bite, can I do it at my house?<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>The state would prefer your dog be in a veterinary or animal control facility. But if your situation is considered low risk, then you may have the right to quarantine at home. It\u2019s considered \u201clow risk\u201d when it&#8217;s a provoked animal, its vaccinations are up to date, and there is ease of securing the dog in the home. Either animal control or law enforcement will monitor you. You also must stay on the lookout for any symptoms of rabies.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>The Department of Health and Senior Services says they are going to do an investigation. What information do they need?<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>If the Missouri DHSS plans on <a href=\"https:\/\/health.mo.gov\/living\/healthcondiseases\/communicable\/communicabledisease\/cdmanual\/pdf\/AnimalBites.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">investigating your dog bite incident<\/a>, they will require the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Verification of the injury<\/li>\r\n<li>Extent of the exposure<\/li>\r\n<li>Physician\u2019s assessment<\/li>\r\n<li>Circumstances of the incident<\/li>\r\n<li>Information about the animal<\/li>\r\n<li>Collaboration with other involved officials<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>What they do will depend on the information gained.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Missouri Dog Bite Laws: Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/dog-bite-laws-by-state.html\">Dog Bite Laws by State<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-negligence-laws.html\">Missouri Negligence Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/dog-bites-animal-attacks.html\">Dog Bites and Animal Attacks<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-statutes-of-limitations.html\">Missouri Statutes of Limitations<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Were You Bitten? Has Your Dog Bitten Someone? Speak With a Dog Bite Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>It\u2019s never a good time to endure pain and suffering. If you&#8217;ve been seriously injured by a dog, get medical help at once. After that, consider reaching out to an experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/animal-bites-plaintiff\/missouri\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dog bite attorney<\/a> to understand your legal rights going forward.<\/p>\r\n<p>You may also need to seek legal help if you\u2019re the owner of a dog who has bitten someone. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-defense\/missouri\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Missouri attorney<\/a> specializing in animal bite defense cases can help you with your case. Your dog is more than a pet \u2014 it\u2019s a family member. Having a legal expert on your side might make all the difference.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        \n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state.html\">\n                        Find Your State&#8217;s Laws\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/all-topics.html\">\n                        View All State Law Topics\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/statutes-of-limitations.html\">\n                        State Statutes of Limitations\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Popular Directory Searches<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/animal-bites-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Animal Bites Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/assault-battery-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Assault and Battery Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/premises-liability-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Premises Liability Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Personal Injury Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Landlord and Tenant Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/insurance-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Insurance Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Defense Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re bitten by a dog in Missouri, is the owner responsible? Probably, but not necessarily. Find out more at FindLaw&#8217;s Dog Bites and Animal Attacks section.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":374424,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[3128],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-374474","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state","state_laws_tags-statelaws_26_7"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/374474","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=374474"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/374474\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/374424"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=374474"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=374474"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=374474"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=374474"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=374474"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}