How Flowood Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Flowood maintains 34 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Flowood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Dog Leash Laws

Flowood 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.

Beekeeping

Flowood 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.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Flowood gives residents more flexibility on beekeeping.

Chickens & Livestock

Flowood 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

Flowood 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.

The Bottom Line

Flowood'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 Flowood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Flowood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.