House Bill 441

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 19-5-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTIES OF THIS STATE MAY BURY LIVESTOCK WHICH HAVE DIED AS A RESULT OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 19-5-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

19-5-15. (1) The boards of supervisors of the several counties of this state, in their discretion, are hereby authorized and empowered to use the road equipment of the counties to dig graves for the burying of livestock which shall have died:

(a) As a result of an emergency situation as determined by the boards of supervisors; or

(b) From an epidemic, whenever any licensed veterinarian shall certify to the board or any member thereof that there is an epidemic, contagious disease, among the livestock of the county or any portion of the county and immediate burial is necessary in order to prevent the spread of a contagious disease and would be in the best interest of the community wherein livestock have contracted such disease.

(2) Any graves dug by the county under subsection (1) of this section shall be upon the premises of the owner of the livestock, or upon property provided by such owner, if the owner is known.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.