MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Wildlife and Fisheries

By: Senator(s) Scoper

AN ACT TO REQUIRE A PERMIT TO POSSESS, PURCHASE, SELL OR RAISE WOLF AND DOMESTIC DOG CROSSES; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS TO REGULATE WOLF-DOG CROSSES; TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) Unless otherwise provided, it is unlawful for any person to import, transfer, sell, purchase or possess any animal that is a cross between a wolf and domestic dog without first obtaining a permit from the department.

(2) Any person possessing a wolf-dog cross on July 1, 1997, shall have until December 31, 1997, to apply for a fee-exempt permit to possess these animals as pets. This fee-exempt permit shall apply only to those animals in possession on July 1, 1997, and the person must comply with this act and any regulations to obtain the permit. A permit must be obtained within thirty (30) days for any new animals and offspring. If a person does not obtain a permit for such offspring, then the person has six (6) months to dispose of such offspring in any manner permitted by law or regulation.

(3) It is unlawful to transfer any permit issued by the department from one person to another person.

SECTION 2. (1) The commission is authorized to regulate the importation, sale and possession of animals that are a cross between a wolf and a domestic dog. The commission may also establish regulation for the facilities to house such animals to safeguard the animals and the public against injury by direct contact.

(2) The commission shall prescribe the form of the license and shall establish a fee not to exceed Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for each permit.

(3) The department shall issue or deny all permits required by this act and to enforce any regulation promulgated by the commission.

SECTION 3. (1) Any person violating this act is guilty of a Class II violation and shall be punished as provided in Section 49-7-143, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(2) The department may seize any animal for which a permit is required and for which no permit has been obtained.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.