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Mississippi Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: I live in Baldwyn MS, the neighbor dog has bitten three children in community, and what can I do to keep my child safe

The dog is allowed to run loose, and come across road to my house regularly, I have a 2 year old grandchildren afraid to go in yard..I have shot at it.,and hollered, neighbors just look and leave.

Arthur Calderon
PREMIUM
Arthur Calderon
answered on Jun 6, 2023

There's really not a whole lot that you can do, aside from alert local law enforcement. Keep in mind that in Mississippi, a dog really only gets one bite, and that one bite puts the owner on notice of the dog's violent propensities. In other words, after that first bite, the owner is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: Are emotional support animals protected under the same laws as service animals? What do I need to certify the animal?

My landlord has a no pet policy, but I have been wanting to get an emotional support animal. I want to know if I need to have some sort of letter stating that the animal is of service and I want to be sure that the landlord cannot kick me out of the home or charge a pet fee over the cat.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 4, 2023

No, service animals are protected under the ADA; emotional support animals are protected under the FHA.

For an ESA, you need proof of your underlying disability and an opinion from a qualified healthcare professional that your cat provides therapeutic benefit to you in connection with your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: Neighbor's cat bit my hand. Have severe infection. Is cat's owner financially responsible for all medical bills?

I have the cat on security video walking up to me on 3/18/2023 at 5:13AM wanting to be petted. I petted him. Without provocation, he lunges at me and seizes my right hand and bites it several times all the while clawing my right arm with his hind feet. I pull away and the cat stands there looking... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Mar 26, 2023

Retain a personal injury attorney who can send a demand letter to the neighbor to obtain their Homeowners Insurance information. Your damages may be covered by their Home liability policy.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Small Claims for Mississippi on
Q: Can someone take your service dog? Even if it is granted by a judge? We have proof that the dog is emotional support dog

A ex gave me a dog for a gift and I had the dog for a service dog/emotional support dog, he came back 8 months later wanting the dog back, then took me to court and the judge granted him the dog. The judge and his dad is best friends. I have all the vet bills and etc, it’s micro chipped under my... View More

Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Aug 20, 2022

You can appeal the decision to the next level. If the original trial was in city court or justice court, you will be granted a new trial at the next level with a new judge.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Family Law, Native American Law and Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: I’m a victim due in court as the witness in a case of dog I don’t want to press charges. I wrote a statement.

What should I say in court? Should we both get a lawyer? Will this go on our record?

Arthur Calderon
PREMIUM
Arthur Calderon
answered on Jul 19, 2022

It really depends. There is nothing necessarily requiring you to have a lawyer as a victim; however, if there is the possibility of a civil suit for damages against the dog's owner, you may want to seriously consider having a lawyer present so that they can also communicate with the prosecutor... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law, Domestic Violence and Medical Malpractice for Mississippi on
Q: I have been accused of and charged with Simple Domestic Violence... She's lying as to how she obtained a bump on her ey

After I was taken away my exgf, who's invitation was recended to my home... used a non authorized key.... She stole 2 phones and an I pad that was basically new all individually worth over $500 and I want to discredit her as well due to the fact she's a habitual liar and a theif...

Arthur Calderon
PREMIUM
Arthur Calderon
answered on Dec 3, 2021

From the looks of it, you have a case that should go to trial, particularly given the circumstances of her entering your home. Your best bet is going to be to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to walk through the facts and circumstances of what happened, especially when it comes to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: fedex driver ran over and killed my dog on my property, i have security video of the incident. what charges if any?

lawyer hired by fedex claims it is our fault for letting the dog out on our own property. our county does have a leash law, but it specifically states that you become liable when dog leaves your property.

Arthur Calderon
PREMIUM
Arthur Calderon
answered on Sep 1, 2021

Depending on how the driver was handling the truck when this occurred, there may be a good argument to have FedEx at least pay some damages, though it would depend on the type of dog, bills associated with it, etc.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: What can be done legally when a dog killed my dog?

we were invited by a pitts owner who did not ensure the animal was secured and her stepson let him out who immediately attacked my dog. After 12000.00 vet bill, he died. I can prove he killed 20 chickens the week before and goats months before that. Thus is in smith county. I made a report ar... View More

Arthur Calderon
PREMIUM
Arthur Calderon
answered on Aug 3, 2021

You could potentially sue the owners of the pitbull. If the dog had a history of being violent, then they were effectively put on notice of the dogs violent propensities, which means that they could be found to be legally responsible for any damages to a person or their property.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: If I suspect my neighbor picked up my dog and has kept her - what can I do ? Can I take them to court
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Jul 25, 2021

Yes, you can take them to court. You can contact law enforcement to file criminal charges and/or file a civil action.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: Is it ok for my neighbor to leave his dogs loose all day everyday even when he Is away from the house because his dog

Has bitten a child and he says he dont have to chain his dogs up

Arthur Calderon
PREMIUM
Arthur Calderon
answered on May 30, 2021

Likely not. If he is allowing the dog to get out and the dog bites someone, especially after having already shown a propensity for viciousness, then he could be found liable for any harm that the dog causes. It sounds like it might be worth it for you to talk to a lawyer about, especially if the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: My neighbour’s dogs keep coming in my yard and I have two cats outside that I’m scared the dogs will attack and hurt

What can I do to protect my pets? I have a camera outside showing their dogs in my yard even on my front porch!

Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Apr 6, 2021

The first thing to do is to read the county or city ordinances (depending on where you live) to find out about your remedies. If your local Sheriff’s Dept or city has an animal control division, call them and report the loose dogs and your fears. The video will be your best evidence.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: Is it illegal to shoot a dog with a BB gun if it keeps pooping in your yard?
Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 19, 2020

Yes. That would be animal abuse or cruelty. Try talking the to the adult human responsible for the dog because dogs are animals and they don’t know or understand property lines.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: I need help in getting a vet malpractice suit strted

i have lots of details and one main one is the vet being under the influence

Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 17, 2020

In most states, you need what it called a "certificate of merit" to file a malpractice claim. Depending on the local rules, you can get it after you file the complaint, but there is a specific deadline by which you must file the certificate of merit. The certificate of merit requires... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: I sold a guy a puppy and he has not made me back the money he agreed can I get my puppy back
Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 5, 2020

This is not a traffic issue so I don’t understand why it’s labeled that way, but yes you can sue to get your puppy back.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: When it says for mississippi city of tupelo, that pit bulls are "declared vicious" but doesnt say banned or restricted,

What does that mean exactly?

Arthur Calderon
PREMIUM
Arthur Calderon
answered on Nov 17, 2019

That likely means that there is a local ordinance already declaring them to be banned from the city. It may be better to talk to someone at community development to verify.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Mississippi on
Q: I am being sued over my dog biting someone that came in my house without my permission

Not sure what to do now

Ross Diamond III
Ross Diamond III
answered on Apr 30, 2019

If you have not already done so, contact your homeowner's insurance carrier to report the claim. The insurance company should defend the case and will employ a Mississippi lawyer to advise you on your liability.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: Three dogs were found inside the goat fence. Two goats dead and one was half eaten. Owners say I didn't actually see

The owner opened gate to let dogs out but still say I can't prove it was their dogs

Arthur Calderon
PREMIUM
Arthur Calderon
answered on Jan 27, 2019

This sounds like a classic example of a circumstantial evidence case.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: Is there a leash law in Mississippi?

My neighbor's dogs keep coming onto the property.

Arthur Calderon
PREMIUM
Arthur Calderon
answered on Oct 6, 2018

There is not a blanket leash law in Mississippi; rather, it varies from city to city via local ordinance.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: Someone made a public post of social media, posted a photo of my dog saying to kill it

They said "If you see this dog run it over I will pay you $50.00 and I will fill your gas tank up". This was after they admitted to shooting our puppy. This person has harrassed us, and our animals. Now two of our pets are dead, the father and the puppy of the father. We need help... View More

Arthur Calderon
PREMIUM
Arthur Calderon
answered on Feb 21, 2018

If you are being harassed, a good starting point would be to report them to local law enforcement.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Car Accidents for Mississippi on
Q: Dog ran off down the road,got hit and killed the man in the truck just kept driving.We have his tag #,what can be done?
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 20, 2018

Ask the police. Dog was in the road so it's largely on you. Duty to stop is to people, or damage to property over whatever Ms. sets as the bar. A dog is valued at the market value, not the intrinsic value to you. Note however if the dog did damage to the car the driver may counterclaim for... View More

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