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Six perspectives shape Missouri’s animal policies this year

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

City councils and state officials in Missouri are re-examining animal policies from multiple angles in 2025. After a deadly pack dog attack, Kansas City leaders debate whether to reclaim animal control from KC Pet Project to improve safety and response. Conservation concerns grow as black bears move north and more armadillos appear on Missouri roads, prompting warnings about wildlife and the rules for reporting sightings.

Local law enforcement faces scrutiny too, with a Savannah officer fired for the abuse and death of a K9 partner. Meanwhile, regulations around hunting, like limits on deer seasons and illegal black bear killings, highlight ongoing tensions between public recreation, wildlife management, and city governance.

Missouri residents report finding armadillos across the state. The armored mammal is shown in this photo from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Screenshot May 23, 2024. By Provided

NO. 1: SEEING MORE ARMADILLOS ON MISSOURI ROADS? HERE’S WHY & WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE CRITTERS

In Kansas City, they’ve become more common in recent years. | Published May 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Eleanor Nash

A photo of K-9 Officer Horus when he joined the force in 2021.

NO. 2: MISSOURI CITY FIRES POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH ANIMAL ABUSE IN K9 PARTNER’S DEATH

The dog joined the police department in 2021 when he was almost 2 years old. | Published September 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kendrick Calfee

A white tailed doe and her fawn are seen in this field guide photo from the Missouri Department of Conservation. By Noppadol Paothong

NO. 3: IT’S THE HEIGHT OF MISSOURI DEER HUNTING SEASON. HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU HUNT

Nov. 16 through 26 are the only 11 days of the year when adult hunters anywhere in the state are allowed to use firearms to hunt antlered deer. | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Natalie Wallington

Members of KC Pet Project’s Animal Services Division, were brought in Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, to help wrangle loose goats that have been living along side the Riverfront Trail in Kansas City, Missouri. By Dominick Williams

NO. 4: AFTER DEADLY DOG ATTACK, KANSAS CITY OFFICIALS CALL FOR CITY TO TAKE BACK ANIMAL CONTROL

The nonprofit KC Pet Project has been contracted by the city for animal control since 2020. After a pack of dogs killed a man last month, officials are calling for change. | Published December 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Noelle Alviz-Gransee

A man illegally shot and killed a black bear on a Missouri property, prosecutors said.

NO. 5: HUNTER ILLEGALLY KILLS BLACK BEAR ON A WHIM, TAKES SELFIE WITH IT, MISSOURI COPS SAY

The man sent a photo with the dead bear to a few people. Then, it ended up in the hands of Missouri investigators. | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kate Linderman

A Black Bear is seen walking in a yard near 13th Street and Skyline Drive, where a resident took a picture. Multiple sightings of bears have been recently reported in the Kansas City metro, authorities said.

NO. 6: BLACK BEAR FOUND NEAR A TACO BELL AMONG MULTIPLE SIGHTINGS ACROSS THE KC METRO

People are urged not to approach the bears and call 911 if they see one. | Published May 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kendrick Calfee

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.