Mississippi Statewide Rule
Mississippi Inherently Dangerous Wild Animal Possession Rules
Key Facts
- Statute
- Miss. Code Section 49-8
- Regulator
- MDWFP Commission
- Permit required
- Yes for listed species
- Local authority
- May be more strict
- Penalty
- $2,000-$5,000 fine
Summary
Mississippi prohibits possession of inherently dangerous wild animals such as big cats, bears, wolves, hyenas, and primates without a state permit. The law establishes a statewide baseline that local governments may strengthen but not weaken.
It is unlawful for a person to import, transfer, sell, purchase or possess any wild animal classified inherently dangerous by law or regulation unless that person holds a permit under paragraph (b) or is exempted under paragraph (c). (b) (i) Any person who possesses a wild animal on May 1, 1997, may receive a fee-exempt temporary permit for that animal if the person applies by July 1, 1997. The temporary permit shall be valid until such time as the department notifies the person of the adoption of the regulations for wild animals and of the date the person must apply for an annual permit. After notification, the person shall apply for an annual permit. (ii) A person must obtain a permit before that person takes possession of a wild animal. The applicant must comply with all the requirements of this chapter and the regulations promulgated by the commission to obtain the permit. Prior to the issuance of a permit, the applicant must provide proof of liability insurance in the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) for each wild animal up to a maximum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00). An applicant shall have the burden of proving that any wild animals subject to this chapter are or will be imported, transferred, sold, purchased or possessed in compliance with this chapter and regulations.
Full Breakdown
Miss. Code Sections 49-8-1 through 49-8-19 make it unlawful to import, transfer, sell, purchase, or possess any wild animal classified as inherently dangerous to humans without a permit issued by the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The list, detailed in MDWFP Rule 32, includes nonhuman primates, large carnivores, big cats, hyenas, elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, and certain venomous reptiles. Permit holders must meet caging, insurance, and reporting standards. Counties and municipalities may enact ordinances more stringent than the state list, but cannot authorize possession the state forbids. Federal Lacey Act amendments further restrict private big-cat ownership.
Violations & Penalties
Possessing or transferring an inherently dangerous wild animal without a permit is a Class I violation, punishable by fines of two thousand to five thousand dollars and up to five days county jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a tiger or lion in Mississippi?
Are reptiles and primates covered?
Can my city ban exotic pets entirely?
Sources
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