MS HB80

Establishes felony offense for intentionally or negligently causing a dog to bite or injure a person, with fines of $1,000-$5,000 and up to 3 years imprisonment.

Makes it a misdemeanor for dog owners to fail to restrain dogs with a known history of biting or dangerous propensity; escalates to felony if the dog actually injures someone, with fines of $1,000-$5,000 and up to 3 years imprisonment.

Increases penalties for second or subsequent offenses within 5 years to fines up to $10,000 and up to 10 years imprisonment; severe injuries causing death or mutilation result in 5-25 years imprisonment per victim.

Authorizes law enforcement and animal control to confine dogs during prosecution; allows courts to compel owners to produce or confine dogs, with misdemeanor penalties for non-compliance.

Permits injured parties to bring civil actions and recover treble (three times) actual damages including pain and suffering.

Takes effect July 1, 2021.