MS SB2866

Amends Section 97-41-2 of Mississippi Code to revise procedures for seizing animals suspected of abuse or neglect by requiring courts to determine probable cause that a crime under animal cruelty law has been or is being committed.

Allows courts to appoint animal control agencies, animal shelters, rescue organizations, veterinarians, or other persons as temporary custodians for seized animals pending disposition of the case.

Requires at least two licensed Mississippi veterinarians to agree an animal has suffered catastrophic injury or illness with unmanageable pain before the animal can be destroyed by humane lethal injection.

Permits owners to request a hearing within five days of seizure to demonstrate fitness to have custody of the animal until court proceedings conclude; court must hold hearing within fourteen days and enter order within twenty-one days.

Upon conviction for animal cruelty violations, allows courts to order owners to reimburse custodians for care costs, permanently forfeit animals, or surrender other animals in their custody and be enjoined from having custody of animals as a probation or parole condition.

Effective July 1, 2012.