Jackson, MS Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Sec. 18-7(a) makes it unlawful to keep a cow, mule, horse or any cattle in a barn, stable, or on a lot within Jackson's corporate limits unless the owner has first obtained the written consent of the county health department. Sec. 18-7(b) is unconditional: "The keeping of swine within the city limits is hereby prohibited," with no health department consent option available for hogs. Neither subsection sets a lot-size or setback standard; the health department's written consent is the only gate for the listed large livestock.

Chickens and ducks are treated separately under Sec. 18-18, which does not ban keeping them but regulates their sale: birds younger than eight weeks may not be sold in quantities of less than ten to a single purchaser, and it is unlawful to dye them. Sec. 18-10 adds that breeding animals for sale within city limits must also comply with the zoning ordinance, so anyone raising livestock or poultry commercially needs to check the applicable zoning district's agricultural-use standards in addition to Chapter 18. General animal-care duties in Sec.

18-11 and Sec. 18-12 apply to any livestock kept in the city: owners must exercise proper care and control to prevent a public nuisance and must provide sufficient food, water, shelter and veterinary care. The division of animal control, under the director of sanitation, is the enforcement authority for this chapter, per the Sec. 18-1 definitions.