MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Wildlife and Fisheries

By: Senator(s) Stogner (By Request)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSION TO REGULATE THE KEEPING IN CAPTIVITY OF WILD ANIMALS BY A PERSON; TO AUTHORIZE A PERMIT AND A FEE FOR SUCH POSSESSION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) The Commission on Wildlife,A person may lawfully possess an orphaned white-tailed deer if the person has a permit from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. A person must apply for a permit within thirty (30) days of the date of possession. The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks may establish a fee for the permit not to exceed Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).

(2) The person must abide by the following conditions of the permit:

(a) No permitted animal shall be allowed to breed and produce offspring. Any offspring of permitted animals shall be reported to the department within seven (7) days.

(b) Male deer must be neutered.

(c) Permitted animals shall not be sold or transferred to another person without prior written approval from the department.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.