House Bill 1261

AN ACT TO CREATE CRIMINAL AND CIVIL PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO KEEP DANGEROUS DOGS SECURELY CONFINED AND UNDER RESTRAINT, AND FOR FAILING TO MEET CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC; TO DEFINE "DANGEROUS DOG" FOR PURPOSES OF THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS TO THE DEFINITION OF "DANGEROUS DOG" IN INSTANCES OF WILLFUL TRESPASSING OR COMMITTING A TORT OR CRIME ON THE PREMISES OF THE DOG'S OWNER, OF TEASING, TORMENTING OR ABUSING THE DOG, OR OF PROTECTING OR DEFENDING A PERSON FROM UNJUSTIFIED ATTACK; TO SET FORTH OTHER DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS ACT AND LEVELS OF OFFENSES; TO PROVIDE THAT IF A DANGEROUS DOG'S BITE OR ATTACK RESULTS IN THE DEATH OF A PERSON, OR IN THE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OF A CHILD, THE OWNER OF THE DOG MAY NOT CLAIM THAT HE DID NOT KNOW THAT THE DOG WAS DANGEROUS AS A DEFENSE IN A CRIMINAL PROSECUTION, OR AS THE BASIS FOR IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY IN A CIVIL ACTION FOR DAMAGES; TO REQUIRE THE OWNER OF A DANGEROUS DOG THAT HAS INJURED A PERSON WITHOUT PROVOCATION, OR KILLED A DOMESTIC ANIMAL, TO POSSESS CERTAIN LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE; TO PROVIDE THAT THIS ACT SHALL NOT APPLY IF THE DOG IS ASSISTING IN THE PERFORMANCE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OR MILITARY DUTIES; TO PROVIDE THAT THIS ACT SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS PROHIBITING A PERSON FROM ENGAGING IN CERTAIN LAWFUL ACTIVITIES OR FROM DEFENDING OR PROTECTING A PERSON OR PROPERTY; TO AMEND SECTIONS 41-53-11, 97-41-3, 97-41-16 and 97-41-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

In the House of Representatives

• Larry Byrd

  Sponsor

l9n doesn't hold this bill's text yet.

In the House of Representatives Jan 19 – Feb 3

1. Jan 19Referred to the House committee on Judiciary B
2. Feb 3Died in committee in the House