JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives recently passed a bill that prevents the state from passing any laws providing animals the same rights as humans. The bill passed 116-33.

"The laws of this state shall not confer upon any animal a right, privilege or legal status that is equivalent or that exceeds a right, privilege, or legal status as that which this state confers by law upon a human being," the bill states. "This provision shall not be construed as limiting laws that protect the welfare of animals in the state."

Missouri Rep. Ward Franz introduced the bill to the House in January. Reps. Tom Loehner and Rodney Schad are co-sponsors of the bill. HB 1513 was reported to the Senate for a first reading March 8. No additional hearings on the bill have been scheduled.