Q: How can I dispute fines for having too many dogs when the puppies are from my neighbor's dog in MS?

A: It’s understandable that you’d feel frustrated being fined for something you didn’t cause, especially if the dogs belong to your neighbor. In Mississippi, most local ordinances limit the number of dogs allowed per household and hold the **property owner or occupant** responsible for any animals living on their property. However, if you can prove that the puppies actually belong to your neighbor’s dog and that you didn’t intentionally keep or care for them as pets, you may have a strong case to dispute the fines. Start by gathering evidence, such as photos, dates, and witness statements showing that the neighbor’s dog regularly comes to your property to give birth or that the puppies are not yours.

You should also contact **animal control or your local city clerk’s office** to explain the situation in writing. Ask for a hearing or appeal regarding the citation, as most cities allow you to challenge fines before they become final. Present your evidence clearly—describe how you tried to keep the neighbor’s dog off your property or how you were unaware that the puppies would make you exceed the pet limit. If the neighbor is identified as the owner of the adult dog, you can request that they be held accountable under local ownership laws, which usually make the **dog’s owner**, not the property owner, responsible for unrestrained animals.

In the meantime, take steps to prevent this from happening again, such as blocking access under your house or calling animal control the next time the dog appears. Doing this shows the city you’re acting responsibly and not contributing to the problem. If the fines are substantial and you can’t resolve them through an appeal, you may also file a small claim or request a court hearing to explain the circumstances directly to a judge. Staying calm, organized, and factual in your explanation will give you the best chance of having the fines reduced or dismissed.