Increases the penalties for the offense of animal abuse and establishes an animal abuse registry

HB 2822 increases penalties for animal abuse in Missouri, reclassifying some offenses as felonies (including for repeat offenders or cases involving torture) and raising maximum punishments. It establishes a public registry of individuals convicted of animal abuse, maintained by the Missouri State Highway Patrol starting January 1, 2028. The registry will include convicted offenders' full names, photographs, and other identifying details (but not Social Security or driver's license numbers) and will list first-time offenders for two years or repeat offenders for five years after conviction. The registry is removed if a conviction is expunged or if no new offense occurs during the specified period.