6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Jackson County, Mississippi.
Verified from official government sources
Jackson County allows chickens and livestock on unincorporated parcels with minimal restrictions. The county's rural areas north of I-10 near Vancleave and along the Pascagoula River support agricultural operations including cattle, poultry, and horses.
Jackson County 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.
Jackson County may enforce breed-specific or dangerous dog ordinances. Mississippi does not have a statewide breed ban but allows municipalities to adopt local breed restrictions.
Jackson County 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.
Jackson County follows Mississippi's inherently dangerous wildlife laws under MS Code §49-8-5 and MDWFP regulations. Large cats, non-human primates, bears, wolves, and venomous reptiles require MDWFP permits or are prohibited. Jackson County Animal Control enforces violations, with prohibited animals subject to seizure and fines up to $5,000. Hurricane evacuation plans required for permitted dangerous animals on the Gulf Coast.
Jackson County prohibits feeding alligators under MS Code §49-7-80 with fines up to $1,000 - critical given abundant Pascagoula River and coastal alligator populations. Feeding deer is restricted during CWD surveillance per MDWFP. Feeding bears, coyotes, and feral hogs is discouraged. Leaving pet food outdoors that attracts raccoons and wildlife may trigger nuisance violations under Jackson County animal control ordinances.
4 cities in Jackson County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Jackson County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Jackson County Ordinance Hub →