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Stricter consequences considered in MO for disrupting livestock hauls

Missouri lawmakers passed a bill to charge a person with felony if they hinder a transfer of livestock.

The offense would be a class E felony for the first time and a class C felony for any subsequent offenses.

Representative Brenda Shields from St. Joseph says loads of hogs were being tampered with in a hog processing plant in her district.

“They would slow down or stop the truck, throw tainted water in the truck and put needles into hogs, affecting the entire process.”

She says if someone at a processing plant finds anything out of place, the plant will temporarily shut down to make sure food stays safe.

“It’s not only jobs, but if this happens often, there will be increased prices at the grocery store if there are disruptions in the supply chain. Someone has to pay for that.”

The bill is awaiting Governor Mike Parson’s approval. Missourinet provided the audio for this story.