Aldermen briefly discussed concerns over a couple of violent dogs in the North Center Street area during the Board’s abbreviated teleconference meeting Tuesday.

The pair of dogs, described as “pit bulls” by Alderman-at-large Don Underwood, have attempted to attack pedestrians in the neighborhood, he said. When Animal Control or other police officers responded, the dogs reportedly attempted to attack them, as well.

Ward 1 Alderman James Magee Jr. said he was aware of the situation, and the two men said they would address the issue with Board Attorney Bobby Moak, and review current ordinances. No other discussion on the issue took place within the meeting.

Chapter 6 of the City’s ordinances, “Animals,” is eight pages and addresses such issues as control and protection of animals in general, laws concerning tags, and responses to violent animals. The ordinance chapter reads, in part:

• It shall be unlawful for any person to: permit any animal to run at-large within the corporate limits of the city [6-3-a1].
• The duly sworn and authorized animal control officer or police officer may seize or cause to have seized any animal whose owner is found to be in violation of any part of this [ordinance] and impound or cause to be impounded such animal in a designated shelter … for a period not to exceed five days [6-3-b].
• Ferocious, vicious or dangerous animals prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain within the city, any vicious, ferocious or dangerous animal … Any such animal … may be impounded or destroyed. The violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor [6-8].
• The animal control officer, in the course of his duties of investigation of cases in which animals have bitten persons or other animals, shall immediately notify the owner of such animal … to surrender the animal to the … officer immediately … [After a period of at least 10 days] during which … it shall be determined by the city health officer … whether [it] is suffering from any disease [and] if no disease is found, the city health officer shall [say] that [it] may be released to the owner [upon proof of rabies vaccination] [6-13].
• When an animal is determined by the animal control officer to be a vicious animal or a feral dog, that animal may be destroyed by the animal control officer or his designee providing each of the following requirements is met: the animal is running at-large; there is no vaccination tag around the animal’s neck; [and] attempts to peacefully capture the animal have been made and proved unsuccessful [6-18a].
• Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each and every day the same shall continue shall constitute a separate and distinct offence [6-21].

While Mississippi has no state-wide ban on any breed of dog, local governments are permitted to enact restrictions or bans. More than 45 cities or counties in the Magnolia State have bans or restrictions on some breeds — including pit bull, wolf-dog hybrid, Rottweiler, Doberman pincher, chow-chow, Shar Pei, and German Shepherd breeds and their mixes.