BOS addresses vicious animal concerns for county residents

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN)— The Warren County Board of Supervisors have taken measures to address vicious domestic animals with county residents, but the matters must be handled in the courts. 

On Nov. 7, 2022, the BOS passed an ordinance in regards to animal control for the county. This ordinance only pertains to residents who live outside the city limits of Vicksburg. 

“If you are a resident of Warren County but live outside the city limits of Vicksburg, there are no leash laws,” said Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace.

According to the ordinance, a resident cannot knowingly allow a vicious animal to roam freely. If the animal bites or attacks another person or animal, the animal may be impounded at the Vicksburg-Warren Humane Society. 

Because Warren County does not have an animal control division or enforcement officer, the Humane Society is the designated animal control agency. 

According to Sheriff Pace, the sheriff’s office cannot criminally charge individuals who allow vicious animals to roam freely, but the deputies can generate a report which will go to the Humane Society and to the court system. In Warren County these cases will be handled by either the County Court or Justice Court. 

According to the ordinance once the animal is impounded, the owner has five business days before the animal may be placed for adoption or destroyed by the Humane Society.

The document states animals may be impounded if the animal bites a person; is vicious or dangerous and roaming freely; is a female in heat and not confined; or if the animal is abused or neglected. In the case of animal abuse, the Humane Society can investigate and file charges against the owner.

Additionally, the ordinance requires all domestic animals over the age of three months to be vaccinated against rabies. The owners are responsible for attaching a metal tag providing the rabies vaccination information and the contact information of the owner of the animal.

Kelle Barfield, president of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, noted that county officials have concern not only for the health and safety of the public but also for the humane treatment of domestic animals in the custody of county residents.

“Our ordinance addresses abused or neglected animals and restricts dangerous or vicious domestic animals from roaming at large as well as spelling out requirements for rabies vaccinations,” said Barfield.

The ordinance also allows for fees to be charged by the Humane Society. The fee schedule is as follows:

• $25- First redemption within one calendar year
• $50- Second redemption within one calendar year
• $100- Third and subsequent redemption within one calendar year
• $20/per day- per diem impoundment charge
• Additional fees may be required for rabies confinement and observation

Once an animal is impounded, the sheriff’s department will notify the owner if the owner can be identified. The owner must prove the animal will be confined or vaccinated and pay a $50 deposit. Once the confinement can be verified, the deposit will be returned. 

However, it is important to note all of the punishments and fees are left up to the presiding judge over the case and the court system.

If anyone has questions or concerns the Warren County Humane Society may be reached at (601) 636-6631.

A full copy of the ordinance can be found below.

Editor’s Note: This article was edited to reflect a correct date change.