Mississippi prohibits inherently dangerous wild animals under MS Code §49-8-1 through §49-8-9. Permits from MDWFP required for restricted species. Hinds County and Jackson enforce state law plus local rules.
Mississippi regulates exotic and wild animal possession under the Inherently Dangerous Wild Animals Act (MS Code §49-8-1 et seq.). The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) maintains lists of inherently dangerous species requiring permits or prohibiting possession entirely — including large cats (lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards), non-human primates (chimps, macaques, baboons), bears, wolves, crocodilians over a set length, and venomous reptiles. Owners of legally grandfathered animals must maintain registration, secure enclosures meeting MDWFP specifications, and liability insurance. Jackson city code and Hinds County ordinances reinforce state law with additional local permit requirements for exotic pets. Escape of a dangerous animal creates public safety emergency and criminal exposure. Native wildlife (deer, raccoons, squirrels) possession is separately regulated. Common small exotics (most parrots, reptiles like ball pythons, hedgehogs) are generally unrestricted.
Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $1,000-$10,000 under state law. Misdemeanor or felony charges possible. Owner strictly liable for damages from escaped dangerous animals. MDWFP may seize without warrant under §49-8-7.
Hinds County, MS
Jackson restricts overnight on-street parking in designated areas. Unincorporated Hinds County generally allows overnight street parking on public roads. No ...
Hinds County, MS
Residential EV charger installation requires an electrical permit in Hinds County. Mississippi has no state EV-ready building code mandate. Entergy Mississip...
Hinds County, MS
Outdoor burning in Hinds County is regulated by MDEQ Air Quality rules, the Mississippi Forestry Commission, and Jackson Code Chapter 46. Open burning within...
Hinds County, MS
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in Hinds County. Mississippi has no state restriction on collection. Given JXN Water's post-2022 crisis capacity issues, ...
Hinds County, MS
Hinds County permits artificial turf with no specific restrictions. Drainage must comply with county stormwater rules. HOA restrictions enforceable — no Miss...
Hinds County, MS
Hinds County home business customer traffic is tightly limited under Jackson's zoning code and surrounding municipal ordinances. Jackson generally prohibits ...
See how Hinds County's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.