Missouri: Lions and Tigers and Bears – and Fees!

May 17, 2010

Lawmakers in the state of Missouri have approved new regulations, including the imposition of fees and an insurance requirement, for people who raise wild animals such as lions, tigers, and bears.

Legislation sent to the governor will require a permit – which could cost up to $2,500 – for any resident of the “Show Me” State who possesses, breeds, or transports large carnivores. This permit requirement will go into effect in 2012.

In addition, the same group of people will be required to carry at least $250,000 of liability insurance.

Another section of the same bill raises by ten times the fees charged to companies selling pesticides in Missouri. Supporters of that increase say it could generate $1.6 million which would go to the state’s Agriculture Department, and bring the state’s fees in line with those charged by neighboring states.

The agriculture bill is SB795.