Mo. Rev. Stat. § 578.179: Seizure and disposition of animals.

Procedure. — Whenever an indictment is returned or a complaint is filed alleging a violation of section 578.173 or 578.176 and, in the case of a complaint, a magistrate finds probable cause that a violation has occurred, the court shall order the animals seized and shall provide for appropriate and humane care or disposition of the animals pursuant to section 578.018. This provision shall not be construed as a limitation on the power to seize animals as evidence at the time of arrest.