Mississippi Animal Cruelty and Hoarding Penalty Statutes

Miss. Code Section 97-41-16, the Mississippi Dog and Cat Pet Protection Law of 2011, makes it a misdemeanor of simple cruelty to intentionally or with criminal negligence deprive a dog or cat of adequate food, water, shelter, or to confine in a cruel manner. Aggravated cruelty, including torture, maiming, starvation, or burning, is a felony carrying up to ten years imprisonment and significant fines. Miss. Code Section 97-41-1 reaches livestock and other animals. Courts may order seizure on probable cause, appoint temporary custodians, and require restitution for veterinary costs. Local cruelty ordinances may add penalties but cannot reduce these criminal protections.

Failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or sanitary conditions, or confining excessive animals causing suffering, can trigger seizure, misdemeanor charges, or felony aggravated cruelty prosecution.