Where you live in Mississippi will determine whether or not you can own goats or sheep. To find out if farm animals are permitted in your neighborhood, check with your local animal control or zoning office. Meanwhile, here are some Mississippi municipalities that permit goats and sheep.
Jackson, MS
In Jackson, Mississippi, you can own goats or sheep with the written consent of the county health department. Per Chapter 18, Sec. 18-57 of Jackson's municipal code, you shouldn't allow your sheep or goats to run at large. Any sheep or goat found running at large will be captured and impounded by the division of animal control. Within five days of its capture, the impounded sheep or goat's owner may claim and redeem it by paying an impoundment fee of $75 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, and $125 for a third or greater offense.
In addition, the impounded sheep or goat owner will pay $7 for each day, during which the animal has remained impounded. If an impounded goat or sheep isn't claimed and redeemed by its owner within the five-day period, it'll be sold upon sealed bids to the highest and best bidder, according to the City Code.
Gulfport, MS
Under certain conditions, sheep and goats are permitted within the city limits of Gulfport, Mississippi. Per Chapter 7, Article III, Division 2 of Gulfport's Code of Ordinances, you should not raise or keep goats or sheep within 300 feet of any neighboring residence. Having met that requirement, you should keep your animals in a clean and sanitary condition to prevent offensive odors.
Southaven, MS
You can have backyard goats or sheep in Southaven, MS, as long as you keep them more than 250 from neighboring residences. However, this requirement does not apply to goat or sheep owners in areas zoned agricultural, according to Southaven's municipal code. Furthermore, in any area zoned other than agricultural, you're required to keep your sheep or goats in a fence/cage system so constructed as to prevent the animals from leaving your property.
Hattiesburg, MS
Keeping goats and sheep as pets or for personal use is permitted in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, under certain conditions. According to Hattiesburg's animal ordinance, you shouldn't fail to provide your animals with wholesome food and water, necessary shelter, and protection from the weather. You should maintain your sheep or goat enclosure in a clean and sanitary condition at all times. More importantly, you shouldn't allow your animals to roam at large otherwise, they will be impounded and sold after 5 days. If you fail to claim them within the five-day period, that is. Just so you know, there is a limit of 6 pets per residence in Hattiesburg.
Biloxi, MS
Under the City of Biloxi's municipal code, goats and sheep are classified as "Domesticated animals." Per Chapter 4, Sec. 4-1-2 of the City Code, it's unlawful to keep more than 6 domesticated animals over the age of six months in any one yard. Also, it's unlawful for you to permit your domesticated animals to run at large. All domesticated animals should at all times be leashed or enclosed in a pen or fenced-in yard. Such enclosures should be so maintained as not to become a public nuisance to people residing in the vicinity.
Olive Branch, MS
In Olive Branch, Mississippi, sheep and goats are only permitted in the AR, Single-Family Residential district. In the AR district, a minimum of one acre is required for the keeping of sheep or goats. A maximum of two goats or sheep is allowed per acre. The areas or enclosures in which sheep and goats are kept should not be maintained in such an unclean and/or unsanitary condition as to be a public nuisance, according to Chapter 10, Article II, Sec. 10-47 of Olive Branch's municipal code.
Tupelo, MS
There are restrictions on keeping sheep and goats in certain areas of the City of Tupelo. Per Chapter 6, Article II, Sec. 6-21 of the City Code, an open area of at least one acre is required per goat or sheep kept in any area of the city zoned for residential or business purposes. Additionally, no animal enclosure should be located within 250 feet of any residence. These restrictions do not apply to authorized livestock barns, animal hospitals, animal shelters, or lawfully operated livestock shows within the city.
Meridian, MS
You may have backyard goats or sheep in Meridian, Mississippi, provided you keep them more than 100 feet from any building or structure used as a residence by another, according to Chapter 6, Sec. 6-12 of the City Code. Also, you should not permit your sheep or goats to roam at large in the city.
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