Modifies the offense of keeping a dangerous dog

HB 1984 revises Missouri's law on "keeping a dangerous dog," primarily affecting dog owners and animal control authorities. It defines the offense as owning a dog that bites a person, domestic animal, or livestock without provocation (either once or after a prior bite), with penalties escalating from an infraction to a class D felony based on injury severity or prior incidents. The bill mandates immediate seizure and impoundment of such dogs for 10 days after a bite, followed by destruction unless the owner appeals in court within 30 days. Owners may also be ordered to pay medical bills for victims or replacement costs for dead livestock, but owners are exempt from liability if the victim was engaged in criminal activity (excluding minor trespass).