Council approves MOU with Laclede County Sheriff's Office to address dangerous-dog cases

The Lebanon City Council on Aug. 11 approved a memorandum of understanding with the Laclede County Sheriff's Office to formalize a partnership addressing dangerous‑dog cases under Missouri statute 578.024. The police chief, presenting the measure, described the MOU as narrowly scoped to limited scenarios in which the sheriff invokes the state statute: "This statute, if there is no appeal to the court system, then the statute requires the sheriff to humanely destroy the dog after 10 business days," the chief said. Under the agreement, the sheriff's office would lead investigations and request city assistance when needed; city staff would help with seizure or handling at the sheriff's request, with the sheriff pursuing prosecution and cost recovery. The chief emphasized the MOU is limited to dangerous dogs as defined by the cited statute and clarified it applies when the sheriff has invoked the state process outside of the city’s routine animal‑control ordinance. The council voted to approve the ordinance authorizing the MOU; the item passed on roll call and was later recorded as ordinance 71‑38. Councilmembers praised the sheriff and police collaboration; one councilmember recounted a personal family loss and urged strong action. The council approved the MOU after first and second readings.