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

Section 3-9(a) of the Southaven Code is the operative rule for fowl and livestock. In any area zoned other than agricultural, it is unlawful to keep or maintain any fowl or livestock animal within two hundred fifty (250) feet of any building in the city used as a residence. The distance counts a residence on an adjacent property as well as one on the keeper's own lot, so neighboring houses count. The section prints no small-flock exception for fowl. The only carve-out is for cats and dogs, which the section does not reach.

Beyond two hundred fifty (250) feet, fowl or livestock must still be held in a secure fence or cage system that does not let them roam off the owner's property. In agricultural zones, § 3-9(a)(1) relaxes the requirement for roaming livestock that are not exclusively confined within two hundred fifty (250) feet of a residence, meaning animals confined in a larger fenced area on the owner's property. Under § 3-9(a)(2), anyone leasing land to keep fowl or livestock meets the same requirements as an owner, and the lessee and the property owner must both keep current emergency contact information with the animal control division for use if animals escape.

Section 3-9(b) handles hogs and pigs separately. It is unlawful to raise or keep them within the corporate limits except as permitted by the zoning ordinance, and dealers in hogs and pigs can maintain pens in areas zoned for that use if the pens meet state health department sanitary requirements.

Other provisions in Title III apply to any lot where animals are kept. Section 3-15(b) makes it unlawful for a lot, stall, stable or other place where animals are kept to be unclean, filthy or unsanitary, and § 3-15(d) requires pens large enough for reasonable freedom of movement. Section 3-17 bars letting an animal run at large. Section 3-12 allows only police horses and animals in city-permitted parades onto streets and sidewalks. Unclaimed livestock is sold at a lawfully constituted public livestock auction under § 3-22(d).