House Bill 179

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE OWNER OF A DOMESTICATED PET TO RECOVER CIVIL DAMAGES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,000.00 FROM ANY OTHER PERSON WHO INTENTIONALLY OR NEGLIGENTLY, AND WITHOUT AUTHORITY OF LAW, KILLS SUCH PET; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) If any person intentionally or negligently, and without authority of law, kills or causes the death of any canine, feline, bird, horse or other domesticated pet of another, the keeping, custody and possession of which is not unlawful, then such person shall be liable to the owner of the pet in an amount not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for the owner's loss of companionship and affection of the pet.

(2) The damages authorized under subsection (1) of this section may be recovered in a civil action brought by the owner, and any damages awarded under subsection (1) of this section shall be in addition to any other civil damages as may be authorized by law.

(3) Liability under this section shall not abate or affect a criminal prosecution nor relieve a defendant of any fines or penalties that otherwise may be imposed by law.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2007.