Biloxi's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Biloxi, Mississippi, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Chickens & Livestock

Biloxi regulates backyard chickens and livestock through local zoning ordinances. Mississippi municipalities balance agricultural tradition with residential zoning under MS Code Ann. §21-19-9.

Key details: Hens Allowed: 4 to 6 typical in residential. Roosters: Usually prohibited. Setback: 25 to 50 ft from neighbors. Authority: MS Code Ann. §21-19-9.

First offense: warning and 14-day compliance window. Fines of $50 to $200 per violation. Non-compliant animals may be removed by animal control.

Breed Restrictions

Biloxi may enforce breed-specific or dangerous dog ordinances. Mississippi does not have a statewide breed ban but allows municipalities to adopt local breed restrictions.

Key details: State Breed Ban: No statewide ban. Local Bans: Permitted by MS law. Dangerous Dog: Registration required. Bite Liability: MS Code Ann. §95-5-23.

Unregistered dangerous dog: $200 to $500 fine. Loose dangerous dog: $500+ fine and possible impoundment. Dog bite liability under MS Code Ann. §95-5-23.

Beekeeping

Biloxi regulates beekeeping through local zoning and the Mississippi Bee and Honey Law under MS Code Ann. §69-39-1 et seq. Mississippi is generally permissive toward apiculture.

Key details: Registration: MS Bureau of Plant Industry. Residential Hives: 2 to 4 typical. Setback: 10 to 25 ft from property line. State Law: MS Code Ann. §69-39-1.

Unregistered hives: state inspection notice. Nuisance complaints: $50 to $200 fine. Hive removal may be ordered if setback or management requirements are not met.

The rules around beekeeping in Biloxi lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Dog Leash Laws

Biloxi enforces leash laws and animal control through local ordinances under MS Code Ann. §21-19-9. Dogs must be on leash or under control when off owner's property.

Key details: Leash Required: Off property, 6 ft max. Rabies Vaccine: Required by state law. Impound Fee: $15 to $25 per day. Authority: MS Code Ann. §21-19-9.

Dog at large: $50 to $150 fine plus impound fees. No rabies tag: $25 to $100 fine. Impound fees: $15 to $25 per day. Repeat offenses: up to $500.

The Bottom Line

Biloxi's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Biloxi is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Biloxi's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.