MS HB1261

Defines "dangerous dog" to include all pit bull breeds (American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog), dogs that have shown propensity to attack, dogs that have bitten without provocation, and dogs trained for dogfighting

Requires owners of dangerous dogs to keep them in secure enclosures, use leashes with 300-pound tensile strength not exceeding 3 feet, muzzle dogs when off premises, and display "Beware of Dangerous Dog" signs

Establishes felony charges if a dangerous dog kills a person or seriously injures a child, with penalties of $1,000-$5,000 fine, 1-5 years imprisonment, mandatory euthanization of the dog, and up to $5,000 civil penalty if owner violated confinement requirements

Prohibits convicted felons from owning dangerous dogs or residing on premises where one is kept

Mandates $100,000 liability insurance for owners of dangerous dogs that have caused serious bodily injury or killed a domestic animal, and authorizes law enforcement to enter premises for inspections and destroy dangerous dogs meeting specified criteria