MS HB413

Courts may award reimbursement and/or payment of actual expenses incurred as a result of dog bite injuries, regardless of the dog's prior propensity to bite.

Courts may order the dog owner to chain the dog at all times, euthanize the dog, or direct local law enforcement or animal control agencies to euthanize the dog.

Amends Mississippi Code Section 97-41-16 (Dog and Cat Protection Law) to add that killing or chaining a dog authorized by this act is not considered animal cruelty.

Brings forward existing sections of law regarding euthanasia of neglected dogs, dog owner liability for livestock/poultry damage, destruction of dogs running at large without proper rabies vaccination identification, and municipal/county authority to regulate animals running at large.

Act takes effect upon passage.