MCA Chapter 15

in effect

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-1 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws of 1998, ch. 570, § 8, eff from and after July 1, 1998. [Codes, Hemingway’s 1917, §§ 5490, 5491; 1930, §§ 5412, 5413; 1942, § 4835; Laws, 1908, ch. 106; Laws, 1919, ch. 227; Laws, 1926, ch. 264; Laws, 1944, ch. 246, §§ 1-3; Laws, 1948, ch. 198, §§ 1, 2 (subd. 1, 2); Laws, 1950, ch. 191 (subd. 2); Laws, 1956, ch. 137 (subd. 2); Laws, 1958, ch. 158; Laws, 1962, ch. 163; Laws, 1966, ch. 230; Laws, 1966, ch. 445, § 9; Laws, 1968, ch. 242, § 1; Laws, 1990, ch. 519, § 1]

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-2 Membership of board; appointments; terms; vacancies; advisory council.

The Mississippi Board of Animal Health is to be composed of the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and the heads of the Animal and Dairy Science and Poultry Science Departments at Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science and one (1) person appointed by the President of Alcorn State University from its land grant staff as five (5) ex officio members with full voting rights, and ten (10) other members of the board to be appointed by the Governor as hereinafter provided. The board shall select annually a chairman and vice chairman from any members of the board. The Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint eleven (11) other members from the following groups or associations from a written list of recommendations from such groups or associations: One (1) licensed and practicing veterinarian who holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree, from a written list of three (3) recommendations submitted by the Mississippi State Veterinary Medical Association; One (1) general farmer from a written list of three (3) recommendations submitted by the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation; One (1) poultry breeder and producer from a written list of three (3) recommendations submitted by the Mississippi Poultry Association; One (1) small ruminant breeder and producer from a written list of three (3) recommendations, one (1) recommendation submitted by each of the following: the Mississippi Sheep Producers’ Association, the Mississippi Club Goat Association, and the Mississippi Goat Association. If an association fails to timely submit its recommendation, the Governor may appoint the member from the list of recommendations submitted by the other associations; One (1) beef cattle breeder and producer from a written list of three (3) recommendations submitted by the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association; One (1) swine breeder and producer from a written list of three (3) recommendations submitted by the Mississippi Pork Producers’ Association; One (1) dairy breeder and producer from a written list of three (3) recommendations submitted by the American Dairy Association of Mississippi; One (1) horse breeder and producer from a written list of four (4) recommendations, one (1) recommendation submitted by each of the following: the Mississippi Quarter Horse Association, Tennessee Walking Horse Association, Mississippi Cutting Horse Association and Mississippi State Equine Association. If an association fails to timely submit its recommendation, the Governor may appoint the member from the list of recommendations submitted by the other associations; One (1) catfish breeder and producer from a written list of three (3) recommendations submitted by the Mississippi Catfish Association; One (1) member of the Mississippi Livestock Auction Association from a written list of three (3) recommendations submitted by the Mississippi Livestock Auction Association. All members shall take and subscribe to the general oath of office as provided in Section 268, Mississippi Constitution of 1890, and file the same with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce. Effective August 1, 1968, the dairy producer member shall be appointed for a one-year term; the Livestock Auction Association member shall be appointed for a two-year term; and the meat packer member shall be appointed for a three-year term; the catfish producer member shall be appointed for a four-year term; and the horse producer member shall be appointed for a five-year term. Effective August 1, 1969, the poultry producer member shall be appointed for a two-year term; on August 1, 1970, the sheep producer member shall be appointed for a three-year term; on August 1, 1971, the swine producing member shall be appointed for a four-year term; on August 1, 1972, the general farmer member shall be appointed for a five-year term; on August 1, 1973, the veterinarian member shall be appointed for a six-year term; and on August 1, 1974, the beef cattle producer member shall be appointed for a seven-year term. All subsequent appointments shall be for four-year terms, except for appointments to fill vacancies which shall be for the unexpired term only. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce. “Department” means the Department of Agriculture and Commerce. On or before July 1, 1998, the board shall appoint, from a written list of not less than three (3) licensed veterinarians submitted by the commissioner, the State Veterinarian. There is created an advisory council to advise the Board of Animal Health on matters concerning the board. The council shall be composed of the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, and one (1) appointee of the Lieutenant Governor and one (1) appointee of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The members of the advisory council shall serve in an advisory capacity only. For attending meetings of the council, such legislators shall receive per diem and expenses which shall be paid from the contingent expense funds of their respective houses in the same amounts provided for committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session; however, no per diem or expenses for attending meetings of the council shall be paid while the Legislature is in session. No per diem and expenses shall be paid except for attending meetings of the council without prior approval of the proper committee in their respective houses.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-3 Office space; adoption of rules and regulations.

The Department of Finance and Administration shall provide office space at the seat of the government, as it deems necessary and requisite for the Board of Animal Health. The board shall adopt rules and regulations as it deems proper to carry out its statutory powers and duties. The rules and regulations shall also prescribe the dates and hours of meetings to be held once a quarter and provide that special meetings shall be called by the chairman at the request of the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, on three (3) days’ written notice or by a majority vote of the entire board on three (3) days’ written notice.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-5 Compensation of members of board.

The members of the Board of Animal Health who are not full-time public officers or public employees shall be entitled to a per diem as is provided by Section 25-3-69, Mississippi Code of 1972, not to exceed twenty (20) days in any fiscal year. All members shall be entitled to mileage and actual and necessary expenses in attending such regular or special meetings, as provided by Section 25-3-41.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-7 Employees; authority to employ professional, technical and clerical personnel; appointment of state veterinarian; bond; use of attorney.

The State Veterinarian is authorized and empowered to employ the necessary professional, technical and clerical personnel as he deems necessary to carry out the powers and duties of the board, and to fix their compensation. The board shall appoint from a written list of not less than three (3) licensed veterinarians submitted by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, a duly licensed and practicing veterinarian as the State Veterinarian, who shall hold a Degree of Veterinary Medicine from a recognized college or university and shall have been engaged in the practice of veterinary science for not less than ten (10) years prior to his appointment. The State Veterinarian shall serve at the will and pleasure of the board and shall enter into a surety bond for the faithful performance of his duties, and the premium therefor shall be paid by the board. The board shall also be authorized to employ an attorney as authorized in Section 69-1-14, Mississippi Code of 1972.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-9 Powers of Board, State Veterinarian, officers and agents; entry upon premises to inspect and disinfect; liability; control, prevention, eradication, inspection and monitoring of chronic wasting disease and other contagious diseases of exotic cervids or livestock.

The Board of Animal Health shall have plenary power to deal with all contagious and infectious diseases of animals as in the opinion of the board may be prevented, controlled or eradicated, and with full power to make, promulgate and enforce such rules and regulations as in the judgment of the board may be necessary to control, eradicate and prevent the introduction and spread of anthrax, tuberculosis, hog cholera, Texas and splenic fever and the fever-carrying tick (margaropus annulatus), cattle brucellosis, anaplasmosis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, muscosal disease, cattle viral diarrhea, cattle scabies, sheep scabies, hog cholera, swine erysipelas, swine brucellosis, equine encephalomyelitis, rabies, vesicular diseases, salmonella group, newcastle disease, infectious laryngotracheitis, ornithosis-psittacosis, mycoplasma group, chronic wasting disease and any suspected new and/or foreign diseases of livestock and poultry and all other diseases of animals in this state, and the board is hereby vested with full authority to establish and maintain quarantine lines and to quarantine by county, supervisors district, parcel of land or herd. The State Veterinarian shall appoint as many inspectors and range riders as may be deemed necessary, and the funds at his disposal will permit, and shall delegate authority to said inspectors and range riders, to enter premises to inspect and disinfect livestock and premises, and enforce quarantine including counties, farms, pens, stables and other premises. No veterinarian may provide veterinary services for the control, eradication or prevention of diseases in animals at a stockyard, livestock auction, equine sale or other place or event of livestock trading unless he has first been approved by the board for this purpose. The board shall have the authority to adopt rules and regulations as may be necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this paragraph. No officer or agent of the State Veterinarian may enter the actual enclosures of any person except with the consent of the person lawfully in possession thereof or in the absence of such consent, with a proper writ obtained as in other cases of searches and seizures under constitutional law. When such officers and agents are lawfully on the premises, either by permission or writ, they shall be authorized to inspect the premises and the livestock and animals found thereon by entering the enclosures and buildings and they are authorized to check livestock and poultry found therein for any contagious diseases and take proper action to control or eradicate any such diseases that may be found. While such officers and agents are performing their duties hereunder, they shall not be personally liable except for gross negligence. The refusal without lawful reason of any person to give the consent aforesaid shall be deemed a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as for violations of Article 5 of this chapter as provided for in Section 69-15-115. The Board of Animal Health shall administer the special fund created in Section 69-15-19. The Board of Animal Health shall have plenary power to control, prevent, eradicate, inspect and monitor chronic wasting disease or other contagious disease of exotic cervids or other exotic livestock. It shall be the duty of the board to develop an inspection, testing and monitoring program for such diseases. An officer or agent of the State Veterinarian is authorized to enter any facility containing cervids or other exotic livestock to inspect the premises and the cervids or exotic livestock. Such officer or agent may inspect, monitor or test any cervid or exotic livestock for disease and may take proper action to control or eradicate any diseases found. While such officers or agents are performing their duties, they shall not be personally liable, except for gross negligence. As a condition of maintaining a permit for a cervid or other exotic livestock facility, it shall be the duty of the permittee to allow the agents of the State Veterinarian to enter the facility and to conduct inspections and tests. As a condition of maintaining a permit for a cervid or other exotic livestock facility, the permittee shall immediately notify the State Veterinarian upon discovery of the escape of a cervid or exotic livestock. Any such animal shall be treated as an escaped wild animal and may be disposed of accordingly.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-11 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory; services of laboratory; fees for services; qualifications of director and staff; advisory council; meetings; funds and property transfer to College of Veterinary Medicine.

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science shall maintain a complete and adequate veterinary diagnostic laboratory in the Jackson vicinity and any person licensed to practice veterinary medicine, veterinary surgery, veterinary dentistry, or any vocational-agriculture teacher, bona fide farmer or county agent in the State of Mississippi or agent of the State Veterinarian shall have made available to him services of the laboratory. The laboratory shall examine and conduct laboratory tests on specimens submitted by any licensed veterinarian, or vocational-agriculture teacher, bona fide farmer or county agent of this state or agent of the State Veterinarian and issue appropriate reports. The College of Veterinary Medicine shall be required to set reasonable fees for such examinations, tests, reports or other diagnostic service. The College of Veterinary Medicine shall select a director of the laboratory who holds a degree of veterinary medicine from a recognized college or university; is board certified in one (1) of the following basic diagnostic disciplines; toxicology, pathology, microbiology, virology or clinical pathology and has engaged in the practice of veterinary clinical diagnosis for at least ten (10) years, five (5) years of which were in a supervisory capacity. The director shall select and recommend for employment such veterinarians, bacteriologists, pathologists, technicians, clerical assistants, and other personnel necessary to carry out the objective of this section. The salaries, compensation and expenses of such employees shall be sufficient to insure the employment of competent persons and shall be paid from funds at the disposal of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The director shall be responsible to the College of Veterinary Medicine for the daily operations of the laboratory. There is created an advisory council to advise the College of Veterinary Medicine on matters concerning the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The council shall be composed of the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, or his designee; the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, or his designee; the Chairman of the Board of Animal Health; the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce; a person appointed by the President of Alcorn State University from its land grant staff who is not a member of the Board of Animal Health; a licensed and practicing veterinarian appointed by the President of the Mississippi State Veterinary Medical Association who is not a member of the Board of Animal Health; the State Veterinarian; the State Chemist; and the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. This advisory council shall meet at least twice a year, upon written notification at least fourteen (14) days in advance, to be called by the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. A meeting may also be called by the Commissioner of Agriculture or by a majority of the advisory council with fourteen (14) days’ written notice. The members of the advisory council shall serve in an advisory capacity only. For attending meetings of the council, legislators shall receive per diem and expenses which shall be paid from the contingent expense funds of their respective houses in the same amounts provided for committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session; however, no per diem or expenses for attending meetings of the council shall be paid while the Legislature is in session. No per diem and expenses shall be paid except for attending meetings of the council without prior approval of the proper committee in their respective houses. All funds, property and other assets and all current positions of the diagnostic laboratory shall be transferred to the College of Veterinary Medicine on July 1, 2002. The budget of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory shall be funded as a separate line item within the general appropriation bill for the College of Veterinary Medicine. Information and records pertaining to all animal diseases within the state will be kept confidential except for those reports concerning diseases that are specifically regulated for mandatory control and eradication, or when release of such information is deemed necessary by the State Veterinarian to protect the public health, other livestock or wildlife.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-13 Appointment of federal personnel as inspectors; acceptance of federal assistance.

The State Veterinarian is vested with authority to appoint and commission, without salary from the state, as its inspectors, representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture, and to accept from the United States government such assistance, financial and otherwise, for carrying out the purpose of this statute, as may be available from time to time.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-15 Quarantine for anthrax.

The Board of Animal Health shall have the power and duty to quarantine all herds of cattle where a diagnosis of anthrax is made. Such quarantine shall remain in effect until the State Veterinarian receives a certificate which is signed by a Mississippi licensed and accredited veterinarian, and which states that such herd has been properly treated and vaccinated and that the medical waste and any dead animals from such herd have been properly disposed. The proper disposal of such dead animals shall be by burning the animal at the spot of death or by burying the animal six (6) feet deep and covering the animal with quick lime. The Board of Animal Health shall have the power and duty to quarantine all herds of cattle on lands immediately adjacent to any infected herd. Such quarantine shall remain in effect until the State Veterinarian receives a certificate as specified in subsection (2) of this section. Any person, firm or corporation failing to comply with any of the provisions of this section, or interfering with the State Veterinarian or any duly appointed officer of the State Veterinarian in the discharge of his duty or for having discharged his duties, shall be deemed in violation of the provisions of this section and shall be subject to the penalties provided in Section 69-15-65, Mississippi Code of 1972.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-17 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws of 2006, ch. 373, § 1 effective from and after passage March 13, 2006. [Laws, 1998, ch. 570, § 9(1); Laws, 2003, ch. 352, § 9, eff from and after July 1, 2003.]

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-19 Animal Care Fund.

As used in this section, the term “qualified nonprofit organization” means an IRS tax-exempt 501(c)(3) or similar nonprofit organization that has been approved by the Mississippi Board of Animal Health. There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known and designated as the “Animal Care Fund.” There shall be deposited in the fund: The additional fees collected from the issuance of distinctive license tags under Section 27-19-56.18; Any gifts, grants, donations or matching money from federal, state or local governmental bodies and private persons, associations, groups or corporations making contributions to the fund; and Any other monies as the Legislature may appropriate or authorize to be deposited therein. The special fund created under subsection (1) of this section shall be administered by the Mississippi Board of Animal Health. Monies in the special fund shall be allocated and distributed by the Mississippi Board of Animal Health to and among the boards of supervisors of each of the counties, the governing authorities of municipalities in the state and qualified nonprofit organizations. Monies allocated, distributed and received by the boards of supervisors, governing authorities and qualified nonprofit organizations may: Be expended for the operation and support of county or municipal agencies, boards or departments that provide food, shelter and care, and/or spaying and neutering of lost, abandoned or unwanted pets; Be expended for the creation, development or expansion of such agencies, boards or departments; or Be donated by the boards of supervisors and governing authorities to nonprofit groups, organizations and associations that operate similar programs. However, priority for expenditure of such monies shall be given to spaying and neutering programs. None of such monies may be expended for euthanasia. The Mississippi Board of Animal Health is authorized to use a portion of the fund, in an amount not to exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) a year, to fund administrative expenses. The Mississippi Board of Animal Health shall adopt rules and regulations governing the proper administration of the Animal Care Fund, and establishing guidelines and criteria for the distribution and allocation of monies in the fund, including qualifications for those groups, organizations and associations qualified to accept monies or to which boards of supervisors and governing authorities may make donations.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-51 Purpose.

It is the purpose of Sections 69-15-51 through 69-15-69 to establish an administrative hearing procedure under the Board of Animal Health to enforce the rules and regulations of the Board of Animal Health and the statutes and laws of the State of Mississippi pertaining to the control and eradication of tuberculosis, anthrax, hog cholera, Texas and splenic fever and the fever-carrying tick (Margaropus annulatus), cattle brucellosis, anaplasmosis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, muscosal disease, cattle viral diarrhea, cattle scabies, sheep scabies, swine erysipelas, swine brucellosis, equine encephalomyelitis, rabies, vesicular diseases, salmonella group, newcastle disease, infectious laryngotracheitis, ornithosis-psittacosis, mycoplasma group, equine infectious anemia and any suspected new and/or foreign diseases of livestock and poultry, and all other diseases of animals in this state, currently in effect or hereafter made and promulgated.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-53 Procedure following charge of violation; reviewing officer.

When any allegation or charge has been made against a person for violating the rules and regulations of the Board of Animal Health or the law relating to the prevention and eradication of diseases in animals and livestock, the Board of Animal Health shall direct the State Veterinarian to act as the reviewing officer. The reviewing officer shall (a) cause the complaint to be in writing and signed by the person making the charge; (b) insure that the complaint is filed in the office of the Board of Animal Health; and (c) send a copy of the complaint and any supporting documents to the person accused along with a request for the accused to respond to the allegations within thirty (30) days. Such notification shall be accomplished by any of the methods provided for in Rule 4 of the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure. Upon receipt of the response and any supporting documents from the accused, the reviewing officer shall screen all information on file to determine the merit of the complaint or lack thereof. If the reviewing officer determines that the complaint lacks merit, he may dismiss the complaint. If the reviewing officer determines that there are reasonable grounds to indicate that a violation has occurred or the accused admits to the truth of the allegations upon which the complaint is based, the reviewing officer may levy a fine not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for each violation. If the accused requests a hearing, in writing, within thirty (30) days, the reviewing officer shall notify the Board of Animal Health and a hearing shall be scheduled. The actions of the State Veterinarian with respect to subsections (2) and (3) above shall be reviewable at such hearing, if so requested. The party requesting a hearing shall file a fee of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) along with the request for hearing to cover the cost of a court reporter.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-55 Hearing committee; hearing procedure.

The Board of Animal Health, upon notice from the reviewing officer that a hearing is requested, shall appoint a three-member hearing committee which shall consist of one (1) attorney from the Attorney General’s office, and two (2) representatives from the Department of Agriculture or from the membership of the Board of Animal Health. The hearing committee shall, within thirty (30) days of notification from the reviewing officer, conduct a hearing at a date, time and place to be determined by the hearing committee, provided that such hearing shall be held and conducted within the county in which the accused resides or in a situs mutually agreeable and that for good cause shown the hearing committee may grant a continuance or continuances of such hearings. Written notice of date, time and place of such hearing shall be mailed to the accused by registered mail, return receipt requested, no less than fifteen (15) days prior to the commencing of the hearing. A duly qualified court reporter shall be in attendance and shall make a full and complete transcript of the proceedings. The hearing shall be closed unless the accused shall request a public hearing. The hearing committee shall have the right and duty to impose reasonable restrictions as it may deem necessary or appropriate to insure an orderly, expeditious and impartial proceeding, and shall admit all relevant and material evidence except evidence which is unduly repetitious. For purposes of such hearing, the committee is hereby empowered to require the attendance of witnesses, administer oaths and hear testimony, either oral or documentary, for and against the accused. The board shall have the authority to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, records or other documentary evidence at a hearing pending before the board. Subpoenas to be issued shall be delivered to the sheriff of the county where they are to be executed and the sheriff shall cause them to be served. In case of the failure of any person to comply with any subpoena issued by the board, the board or its authorized representative may invoke the aid of any court of general jurisdiction of this state. The court may thereupon order such person to comply with the requirements of the subpoena. Failure to comply with the order of the court may be treated as contempt thereof. At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing committee, upon the majority vote of the members of such committee, shall transmit to the Board of Animal Health a written opinion incorporating findings of fact and recommendations for penalties which shall not exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for each violation.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-57 Certification of findings and recommendations to Board of Animal Health.

The reviewing officer and/or the hearing committee shall certify findings and recommendations to the Board of Animal Health within five (5) days of the conclusion of the proceedings. The Board of Animal Health shall, at its next regular meeting, review such findings and recommendations and approve, modify or reverse the recommendations made as a result of the review and hearing. The Board of Animal Health shall then notify the accused violator of its decision by certified mail at a mailing address provided during the proceedings, or at the accused violator’s last-known address.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-59 Waiver of right to hearing.

Failure of the accused to request a hearing or respond to the complaint within thirty (30) days shall constitute a waiver of the right to a hearing and any penalties assessed by the board shall be due and payable as provided in Section 69-15-67.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-61 Jurisdiction of Board of Animal Health; authority to adopt rules and regulations.

The Board of Animal Health shall have jurisdiction over all persons and property necessary to administer and enforce the provisions of Sections 69-15-51 through 69-15-69, the rules and regulations of the board, and all other laws relating to the prevention and eradication of diseases in animals and livestock. The board may adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions of Sections 69-15-51 through 69-15-69.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-63 Judicial review.

Any individual aggrieved by a final decision of the Board of Animal Health after its review of the hearing officer’s recommendation shall be entitled to judicial review. An appeal from the board’s decision shall be filed in the Circuit Court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County on the record made, including a verbatim transcript of the testimony at the hearing held before the designated hearing committee of the Board of Animal Health. The appeal shall be filed within thirty (30) days after notification of the action of the board is mailed or served and the proceedings in circuit court shall be conducted as other matters coming before the court. The appeal shall be perfected upon filing notice of the appeal and by the prepayment of all costs, including the cost of preparation of the record of the proceedings by the Board of Animal Health, and the filing of a bond in the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) conditioned that if the action of the board be affirmed by the circuit court, the aggrieved party shall pay the costs of the appeal and the action of the circuit court. The scope of review of the circuit court in such cases shall be limited to a review of the record made before the board or hearing committee to determine if the action of the board is unlawful for the reason that it was: Not supported by any substantial evidence; Arbitrary or capricious; or In violation of some statutory or constitutional right of the individual. No relief shall be granted based upon the court’s finding of harmless error by the board in complying with the procedural requirements of Sections 69-15-51 through 69-15-61. In the event that there is a finding of prejudicial error in the proceedings, the cause may be remanded for a rehearing consistent with the findings of the court. Any party aggrieved by action of the circuit court may appeal to the State Supreme Court in the manner provided by law.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-65 Penalties.

Each violation of the rules and regulations of the Board of Animal Health or violations of any other of the laws governing the eradication of contagious diseases in animals and livestock shall be subject to the imposition of a civil penalty up to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00). When one or more animals are involved and are the subject of the violation each animal shall constitute a separate violation.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-67 Failure to pay penalty.

Any penalty assessed by the Board of Animal Health shall be due and payable within forty-five (45) days of the notification of the board’s decision. In the event that the judgment is not paid within the forty-five (45) days, or within such additional time as the board may allow, the Board of Animal Health through its designated representative may file suit in the circuit court of the county where the defendant resides or in the case of a nonresident defendant in the Circuit Court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County or any other court with appropriate jurisdiction to enforce the decision of the board and recover reasonable attorney’s fees and all court costs. A copy of the notification sent by the board to the violator shall be sufficient proof as to the judgment of the board.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-69 Immunity for witnesses.

No person shall be subject to criminal prosecution or to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter or issue concerning which he may be required to testify to or produce evidence, or provide documentation, before the board or at any of its hearings or conferences, or in compliance with any subpoena, however, no person testifying shall be exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so testifying.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-101 Areas for control of diseases of livestock and poultry.

The boards of supervisors of any county, or one or more counties, are hereby authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to establish areas composed of one or more counties for the purpose of cooperating with the Board of Animal Health and the United States Bureau of Animal Industry, separately or jointly, in providing for a program of control and eradication of certain diseases of livestock and poultry within such area established. Boards of supervisors of any county or counties acting under the authority conferred by this section are authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to contribute to the support of such area program in an amount equal to thirty-three and one-third per cent of the cost of administering the program in such area. The cost of administering such program to be determined by the board and entered upon their minutes at the time funds are appropriated for the support of same. The funds herein authorized to be expended by the board or boards of supervisors of each county or group of counties comprising such area shall be paid out of the General Fund of such county or counties on order of the board of supervisors duly entered on their minutes. The Board of Animal Health is hereby authorized to purchase and supply at cost any vaccine necessary for use in control and eradication of diseases of livestock and poultry in such area hereby authorized to be established, to the owners of livestock or poultry residing in an area cooperating with the control program hereby authorized. In order that any area created under the provisions of this section may have the services of a veterinarian, the board of animal health is hereby authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to employ a veterinarian for such area, and such area veterinarian shall have the authority to employ local veterinarians with the approval of the board of animal health, and the board of supervisors of the county or counties comprising such area are authorized and empowered to contribute to the payment of the salary of such veterinarians employed by the board of animal health.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-103 Spraying to prevent spread of disease at state fairs and community sale barns.

All pens, stalls, barns, or other places where livestock are placed or held for exhibits or shows at all fairs within the state shall be sprayed with an approved insecticide before any animals are placed therein, and immediately after removal of such animals, all such pens, stalls, barns, or other places where such animals have been confined shall be sprayed with an approved disinfectant. Such spraying shall be done under the direction or supervision of the board of animal health. It shall be the duty of the fair managers to see that the provisions hereof are complied with. All community sale barns within the state where any kind of livestock is sold, shall be sprayed with an approved insecticide before any animals are placed therein and immediately after removal of such animals. Such spraying shall be done at the expense of the owners of said sale barns, and done under directions of the board of animal health. Failure by the owners of said sale barns to comply with the provisions hereof shall be punished by a fine imposed upon them of not less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00), nor more than Fifty Dollars ($50.00).

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-105 County or district to establish program to control or eradicate ticks, flies, and other external parasites.

The boards of supervisors in the various counties are hereby authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to put into effect the provisions of this section by order of said respective boards spread upon the minutes of such board when petitioned by a majority of livestock owners in any county or affected district. The board of supervisors of any county, when petitioned, electing to come under the provisions of this section shall be authorized to appropriate money from the general fund or fix the levy annually of an ad valorem tax, not to exceed two (2) mills, upon the assessed valuation of all real and personal property within the area petitioned for and/or fix a fee not to exceed Twenty-five Cents (25¢) per head on livestock annually, based on cost estimates for a program of controlling or eradicating ticks, flies, and other nuisance insects by dipping livestock or by other appropriate methods. The board of supervisors of any county, upon designating an area where the program shall be operated, shall request the technical assistance of the Board of Animal Health. The Board of Animal Health shall cooperate in general planning, technical supervision, furnish specifications for vats, and other equipment, select approved chemical agents and test same for effectiveness. The board of supervisors of any county is authorized to construct dipping vats in suitable locations, purchase other equipment and supplies, and employ such personnel as necessary, including inspectors who shall be enforcement officers for the county board of supervisors. It shall be the duty of each livestock owner within the area of program operations to cooperate with the board of supervisors and its representatives and comply with the provisions of this section. The board of supervisors of any county shall have the authority to require all owners when necessary to assemble all their livestock at a designated time and place and have same dipped or treated according to prescribed methods. Owners who refuse or fail to comply after having been duly notified to have livestock assembled and dipped or treated as prescribed shall be in violation of the provisions of this section and shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 69-15-53 through 69-15-69. The purpose of this section is to supplement and be in addition to Section 69-15-307, Mississippi Code of 1972, and related statutes. Nothing in this section to the contrary shall replace or minimize existing statute concerning existing laws for the eradication of the cattle fever tick (Margaropus annulatus).

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-107 Brucellosis eradication.

In addition to other authority vested in the Board of Animal Health, it shall have the following powers and duties: To quarantine all herds of cattle where reactors are disclosed or found by private tests, auction barn sale tests, market cattle testing of slaughter cattle and dairy herds that are suspicious to the brucellosis ring test (milk). Owners of herds so quarantined in counties carrying out brucellosis eradication programs either in cooperation with the board of supervisors or Animal Health Division, Agricultural Research Services, USDA, shall have a maximum of sixty (60) days from date of quarantine issuance in which to have the quarantined portion of their herd officially tested for brucellosis. The herd owner shall be responsible for making herd test arrangements, using at his option either the federal veterinarian assigned to his area or any private practitioner licensed to test cattle in the herd owner’s county under the area plan. It shall be the herd owner’s responsibility to assemble, confine, and hold the quarantined cattle at a time and place agreed upon by himself and his selected veterinarian for the purpose of identifying and testing those animals required to be tested under the uniform methods and rules for establishing and maintaining modified certified brucellosis areas adopted by the United States Livestock Sanitary Association and approved by the Animal Health Division, Agricultural Research Services, USDA. These uniform methods and rules shall be followed explicitly in carrying out all official area brucellosis testing work, and owners of quarantined herds shall be responsible for retesting of quarantined portions of their herds within time limits prescribed by these rules. Within these time limits, quarantined herd owners shall enjoy the same options for veterinarian selection and time and test location as outlined above for the original test. Owners of quarantined herds who fail to take action in having their herd officially tested for brucellosis within sixty (60) days of quarantine issuance shall upon notice from the State Veterinarian assemble or have assembled these quarantined cattle at a place and time designated in order that the brucellosis test may be applied. Assistance shall be given by such owners in confining these cattle in order that the test may be administered properly, and the same cattle shall be returned for checking, tagging and branding of reactors at a time and place designated by the inspector or veterinarian in charge. It shall be the duty of the sheriff in any county in which the work of brucellosis testing is in progress to render to agents of the Board of Animal Health every assistance in enforcing the laws and regulations of said board. If the sheriff of any county shall neglect, fail or refuse to render this assistance when so required, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and be punishable as in other cases of malfeasance or misfeasance. All cattle which have reacted to the brucellosis test shall be tagged and branded and removed from the herd of cattle and shall be permitted to market for slaughter within a period of fifteen (15) days after the date of tagging and branding. When funds are available from the state or federal government, indemnities will be paid to the owner of reactors when properly appraised and disposed of. As stated in paragraph (b), current uniform methods and rules for establishing and maintaining modified certified brucellosis areas adopted by the United States Livestock Sanitary Association and approved by the Animal Health Division, Agricultural Research Services, USDA, shall be followed. Any person, firm or corporation failing to comply with any of the provisions of this section or interfering with any duly appointed officer of the Board of Animal Health in the discharge of his duty, or for having discharged his duties, shall be deemed in violation of the provisions of this section and shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 69-15-53 through 69-15-69.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-109 Emergency control of foot and mouth disease and other infectious diseases of animals and poultry.

The Governor of the State of Mississippi, when advised by the Board of Animal Health that an emergency exists due to the presence of foot and mouth disease, rinderpest, contagious pleuropneumonia, or other contagious or infectious diseases of animals, or European fowl pest and similar diseases among poultry, in this state, or chronic wasting disease in any cervids, is hereby authorized to declare a state of emergency and to order all animals or poultry quarantined or slaughtered that may be affected with, or possible carriers of such diseases. The Governor is hereby authorized and empowered to cooperate with any department of the federal government engaged in the combating and control of any such disease mentioned in subsection (1) and to this end the Governor is authorized and empowered to do any and all things in cooperation with the federal government necessary to the control and extermination of any such diseases mentioned in subsection (1) among animals or poultry that may be affected therewith. For the purposes of this section, the Governor shall have full and complete police power, and shall exercise same anywhere in the State of Mississippi, and if an emergency should exist to such an extent that such becomes necessary the Governor may employ such personnel to enforce such police powers and quarantine that may be necessary to control and prevent the spreading of any such diseases mentioned in subsection (1) among animals or poultry in this state. Such personnel when appointed by the Governor shall work under the direction of the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, or its representative, and shall be paid such compensation as the Governor may determine out of any money made available for the enforcement of this section. When any animals or poultry or materials are ordered to be destroyed, under the provisions of this section, the owner of same shall be paid for each such animal or poultry or materials destroyed an amount not exceeding the amount authorized to be paid by the federal government in matching funds expended for the destruction of each such animal or poultry or materials infected with any such diseases mentioned in subsection (1). In the event of the happening of an outbreak of any such diseases mentioned in subsection (1) in Mississippi, the Governor is hereby authorized to borrow not to exceed Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) to carry out the terms and provisions of this section.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-111 Livestock; how brought into state.

It shall be unlawful for any person or persons, firm or corporation to drive, convey, transport or allow to drift from any state or territory, into this state any livestock except under the supervision and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Board of Animal Health. Steers may be moved into the state for feeding and grazing purposes under special permit issued by the State Veterinarian. Livestock shipped, trailed, driven or otherwise transported into this state from other states or territories shall be subject to examinations and tests approved by the Board of Animal Health for the purpose of determining if such animals are free of infectious abortion or bangs disease. Should such animals react to the tests, they shall immediately upon notice to the owner from the board or one (1) of the board’s inspectors or veterinarians be returned to the state from which they came, or slaughtered under the supervision and direction of the board. The Board of Animal Health is authorized and empowered to require livestock owners or persons having livestock in charge, affected with, or exposed to infectious abortion, upon notice to assemble or have assembled such livestock at a place and time designated by an inspector or veterinarian of the Board of Animal Health or of the United States Bureau of Animal Industry in order that the proper and necessary tests and examinations can be made. All animals which react to the test for infectious abortion or show marked diagnostic symptoms of infectious abortion shall be quarantined, segregated, isolated or otherwise disposed of under the direction of the Board of Animal Health. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this section or any of the rules and regulations of the Board of Animal Health shall be deemed in violation of the provisions of this section and shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 69-15-53 through 69-15-69.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-113 Infected livestock; pay for when destroyed.

Owners of livestock infected with any contagious or infectious disease, whose animals are destroyed by authority of the board of animal health shall receive compensation from the state in accordance with the following provisions: Before authorizing the destruction of such diseased animals, they shall be appraised by a duly commissioned representative of the board of animal health of the State of Mississippi or a cooperating representative of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry, duly commissioned by said board of animal health. If the owner shall refuse to accept such appraisal, the animals shall be appraised (under oath) by three competent and disinterested appraisers; one to be selected by the duly commissioned representative of the board of animal health or of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry duly commissioned by said board of animal health, one by the owner, and those two to select a third; the appraisal to be based upon the value of the animals at the time the animals are condemned for destruction; and, provided, further, that the state to pay not to exceed one-third of the difference between the appraised value of each animal so destroyed and the value of the salvage thereof, when any portion of said appraised value is paid by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and not more than two-thirds thereof in the event no portion is paid by said U. S. Department of Agriculture. In no event shall the state be liable on an appraised value exceeding $25.00 per head for grade cattle and $50.00 per head for registered purebred cattle. Upon receipt of a duly certified copy of the appraisal of the stock condemned to be destroyed, and a certificate from the board of animal health that the condemned stock has been destroyed in accordance with the rules and regulations of said board, a requisition shall be issued, signed by the executive officer and the chairman of the state board of animal health, authorizing the state auditor to issue a warrant for the amount stipulated out of funds in the state treasury especially appropriated for that purpose.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-115 Penalties.

Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of Article 5 of this chapter, or any of the rules and regulations of the Board of Animal Health, relative to the control and eradication of tuberculosis, anthrax, hog cholera, Texas and splenic fever and the fever-carrying tick (Margaropus annulatus), cattle brucellosis, anaplasmosis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, muscosal disease, cattle viral diarrhea, cattle scabies, sheep scabies, swine erysipelas, swine brucellosis, equine encephalomyelitis, rabies, vesicular diseases, salmonella group, newcastle disease, infectious laryngotracheitis, ornithosis-psittacosis, mycoplasma group, equine infectious anemia and any suspected new and/or foreign diseases of livestock and poultry, and all other diseases of animals in this state, made and promulgated thereunder shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 69-15-53 through 69-15-69.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-117 All equidae located on premises where public participates in equine activities to be accompanied by copy of negative infectious anemia test; regulations; penalties.

All equidae located on any premises within the state where the public participates in equine activities for any purpose, including, but not limited to, training, breeding, performing or exhibition shall be accompanied by the original copy of a negative current equine infectious anemia (EIA) test. All equidae moving within the state for any reason shall be accompanied by the original copy of a negative current equine infectious anemia (EIA) test. Equidae being sold at a public sale or sold at a private sale shall have a negative current equine infectious anemia (EIA) test. The Board of Animal Health shall promulgate rules and regulations to enforce this section. Any person violating this section or the rules and regulations promulgated under this section by the Board of Animal Health is subject to the penalties provided in Section 69-15-65.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-201 Employment of veterinarians to co-operate in tests.

The State Veterinarian, with the approval and consent of the Board of Animal Health is directed to employ one or more qualified veterinarians to be paid from the funds at the disposal of said board, who shall cooperate with the veterinarians of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry, in testing cattle for tuberculosis in this state.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-203 Veterinarians to be detailed to aid counties.

The State Veterinarian is directed to detail a veterinarian to assist such counties as desire to undertake the control and eradication of tuberculosis among cattle and such assistance shall be given to the counties in the order in which request is made and to the extent that the funds of the board will permit.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-205 Elections on tuberculosis control.

The board of supervisors of any county in the State of Mississippi may, by order entered on the minutes of said board, express their intention to engage in the eradication of tuberculosis, in livestock under the area plan in co-operation with the board of animal health, and the United States Bureau of Animal Industry. Such order so entered upon the minutes of said board shall be published for thirty days in a newspaper published in said county and having a general circulation therein, and at the expiration of said thirty days if twenty per cent or more of the qualified electors of said county shall not file with said board a petition protesting against said order, the board shall enter an order upon their minutes to so engage in said eradication provided for in the previous order; but should twenty per cent or more of the qualified electors of said county file with said board a petition protesting against said order, then the board of supervisors shall call an election, after having given the notice required by law, and if a majority of the qualified electors of said county voting at said election in favor of engaging in such eradication, then the board shall enter upon its minutes an order to that effect; should a majority of the qualified electors of said county voting fail to vote in favor of engaging in such eradication, then said board shall enter an order upon its minutes refusing to engage in such eradication.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-207 Submission of cattle for tuberculin tests.

In counties doing tuberculosis eradication work under the provisions of this article, owners of cattle are required to submit all their cattle to be tuberculin tested at such time and place as designated by the board of animal health, and provide such help as may be needed by the inspector doing the work.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-209 Condemnation, branding and disposition of cattle reacting to tuberculin tests.

Cattle which react to the tuberculin test or show marked diagnostic symptoms of tuberculosis shall be condemned and branded with the letter “T” on the left jaw, and be disposed of as directed by the board of animal health.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-211 Payment for condemned cattle in counties engaged in tuberculosis eradication under area plan; appraisement.

The county boards of supervisors of counties engaged in eradicating tuberculosis in livestock under the area plan in co-operation with the board of animal health and the United States Bureau of Animal Industry may pay out of the general funds of the county money for necessary expenditure including the employment of accredited or approved veterinarians and for the payment of indemnity to cattle owners who have animals slaughtered because of having reacted to a tuberculin test authorized by the board and the United States Bureau of Animal Industry. Provided that said animals so classed are appraised and slaughtered as provided in the rules and regulations of the board of animal health. The indemnity received shall not exceed Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for each grade animal or One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for each registered animal so condemned.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-213 Payment for condemned cattle in counties not operating on area plan.

The boards of supervisors of the various counties of the State of Mississippi which are not engaged in the eradication of bovine tuberculosis on the area plan, may in their discretion, pay indemnity on cattle which react to a co-operative tuberculin test authorized by the Mississippi Board of Animal Health on the same basis as provided in Section 69-15-211.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-301 Duties of Board of Animal Health; assistant executive officer for tick eradication; inspectors, range riders and other employees.

The work of tick eradication shall be prosecuted by the Board of Animal Health under the following provisions: The State Veterinarian, with the approval and consent of the board, shall hire an assistant executive officer for tick eradication who shall receive a salary of not exceeding Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00) per annum to be fixed by the board, who shall be duly qualified for the work and of recognized ability and experience in tick eradication and who shall have full authority and jurisdiction, subject to the rules and regulations of the Board of Animal Health in the matter, direction and administration of the work of eradication of the Texas and splenic fever and the fever-carrying tick, in the State of Mississippi, until such time as in the judgment of the board it is necessary for the prosecution to a successful conclusion of the campaign of eradicating said ticks and tick fever. The assistant executive officer shall have for the purpose of eradication of the Texas and splenic fever or fever-carrying tick, all the powers, authority and jurisdiction now conferred by law upon the Executive Officer of the Board of Animal Health, upon the conditions and limitations set forth in this section. The assistant executive officer shall employ such inspectors and range riders and other employees as may be deemed necessary by the Board of Animal Health for the successful prosecution of the work of eradication of the Texas and splenic fever and fever-carrying tick, the compensation of such inspectors, range riders, and other employees to be fixed by the board and paid out of any appropriation made to the board for tick eradication.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-303 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 2018, ch. 395, § 14, eff from and after July 1, 2018. § 69-15-303 . [Codes, Hemingway’s 1917, § 5492; 1930, § 5414; 1942, § 4837; Laws, 1908, ch. 106; Laws, 1926, ch. 264; Laws, 1928, ch. 61; Laws, 1962, ch. 166, § 1, eff from and after passage (approved April 30, 1962).] Editor's Notes — Former § 69-15-303 created an advisory commission to the Board of Animal Health in all matters related to the eradication of the Texas fever and splenic fever and fever-carrying ticks.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-305 Appointment, dismissal and compensation of local state inspectors and range riders.

The State Veterinarian shall appoint the necessary number of local state inspectors and range riders to assist the counties in systematic tick eradication, who shall be commissioned by the Board of Animal Health as livestock inspectors. The salaries of said inspectors and range riders shall be fixed by the Board of Animal Health and shall be sufficient to insure the employment of competent men. If the services of any of said inspectors or range riders is not satisfactory to the State Veterinarian, his services shall be immediately discontinued, and the decision of the State Veterinarian, after confirmation by the board, shall be final without recourse and the commission of said inspector shall be cancelled. The salaries of said inspectors shall be paid from funds at the disposal of the Board of Animal Health, drawn by secretary and approved by chairman.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-307 Board of supervisors to assist in eradicating tick fever.

The board of supervisors in the various counties of the state are authorized and empowered to appropriate money out of the general fund of the county to be used for the purpose of co-operating with the Mississippi Board of Animal Health and the United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry, in eradicating tick fever, cattle tick, lice, and other animal parasites, and any other contagious and infectious diseases of livestock or the causes of such diseases.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-309 When board of supervisors to act.

If it shall be determined by the State Veterinarian, or his authorized agent, that any county or counties shall be partially or completely infested with the cattle tick (Margaropus annulatus), the board of supervisors of said counties which are partially or completely infested with the cattle tick (Margaropus annulatus) shall immediately take up the work of systematic tick eradication as provided in this article.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-311 Infected cattle to be dipped.

Systematic dipping of all cattle, horses, jacks, jennets and mules infested with or exposed to the cattle tick (Margaropus annulatus), shall be taken up as soon as practical in all counties or portions of counties that shall at any time be found partially or completely infested with the cattle tick (Margaropus annulatus) under the direction of the State Veterinarian, acting under the authority as herein provided, and as provided by the rules and regulations of the board of animal health. However, this section shall not hinder or handicap the operation of stock law.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-313 Board of supervisors to provide dipping vats when necessary.

The boards of supervisors, after being notified by the State Veterinarian that the cattle tick (Margaropus annulatus) is known to exist in their respective counties, shall provide such number of dipping vats as may be fixed by the State Veterinarian or his authorized representative, and provide the proper chemicals and other materials necessary to be used in the work of systematic tick eradication in such counties, and said work of systematic tick eradication shall begin on the date indicated by the State Veterinarian and continue until the cattle tick (Margaropus annulatus) is completely eradicated, and notice in writing of same is given by the State Veterinarian.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-315 Violation by supervisors.

If the board of supervisors shall fail, refuse or neglect to comply with the provisions of this article, the state veterinarian or an authorized agent of the State Veterinarian, shall apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for a writ of mandamus or shall institute such other proceedings as may be necessary and proper to compel such county boards of supervisors to comply with the provisions of this article applying to them.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-317 Cattle and other livestock to be dipped.

Any person, or persons, firms or corporations, owning or having in charge any cattle, horses, jacks, jennets or mules in any county where tick eradication shall be taken up, or is in progress under existing laws, shall, on notification by any livestock inspector to do so, have such cattle, horses, jacks, jennets or mules dipped regularly every 14 days in a vat properly charged with arsenical solution, as recommended by the United States Bureau of Animal Industry under the supervision of said inspector, at such time and places and in such manner as may be designated by the livestock inspector. All animals dipped shall be marked for identification. The dipping period shall be continued as long as may be required by the rules and regulations of the State Board of Animal Health, which shall be sufficient in number and length of time to completely destroy and eradicate all cattle ticks (margaropus annulatus) in such county or counties.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-319 Notice to be posted in certain cases.

Quarantines and dipping notices for cattle, horses, jacks, jennets and mules, the owner or owners of which cannot be found, shall be served by posting copy of such notice in not less than three public places within the county in community where stock were found, one of which shall be placed at the county court house. Such posting shall be due and legal notice.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-321 Procedure when owner fails to dip.

Cattle, horses, jacks, jennets or mules infested with or exposed to the cattle tick (margaropus annulatus), in any county known to be partly or wholly infested with such tick, the owner or owners of which, after five days written notice from a livestock inspector, or such animals as are provided for under Section 69-15-319, shall fail or refuse to dip such animals at a time and place designated in such notice and regularly every 14 days thereafter until released, in a vat properly charged with arsenical solution, under the supervision of a livestock inspector, said cattle, horses, jacks, jennets or mules shall be dipped, quarantined and placed in the custody of the sheriff, by the livestock inspector. Suitably fenced areas for holding such cattle while in the custody of the sheriff shall be provided by the board of supervisors.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-323 Expenses incurred in enforcement to be lien on animal.

Any expense incurred in the enforcement of Section 69-15-321 or for feed, care and handling of such animals while undergoing the process of tick eradication, and any expense incurred in handling, dipping, confining, feeding or pasturing of any animals while in the custody of the sheriff shall constitute a lien upon such animal or animals to be paid by the owner or owners of the animals before the same are released by the sheriff. Should the owner or owners of cattle, horses, jacks, jennets and mules which have been placed in the custody of the sheriff as herein provided, fail or refuse to pay said expenses after five days’ notice, they shall be sold by the sheriff of the county after ten days advertising, either by notice at courthouse door and two other public places in the neighborhood of the place at which the animal was taken up, or in the newspaper published in the county having general circulation therein. The said advertisement shall state therein the time and place of sale, which place shall be where the animal is confined. The sale shall be at public auction and to the highest bidder, for cash. Out of the proceeds of the sale, the sheriff shall pay the cost of publishing the notices, costs of dipping, feeding and caring for the animals and the costs of sale which shall include $2.00 in the case of each sale, to said sheriff. The surplus, if any, shall be paid to the owner of the animal or animals, if he can be ascertained. If he cannot be ascertained within thirty days after such sale, then the sheriff shall pay such surplus to the county treasurer for benefit of the general fund of the county; provided, however, that if the owner of the animal or animals shall within three years after the fund is turned over to the county treasurer, as aforesaid, prove to the satisfaction of the board of supervisors of the county that he was the owner of such animals, upon the order of said board such surplus shall be refunded to the owner.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-325 Driving and drifting from quarantined to free county.

Any person or persons, firm or corporation, driving, conveying, transporting or allowing to drift from any state or territory, into or through this state, or within this state from a quarantined county or area into a free county or area or into a county or area in which systematic tick eradication is in progress, animals infested with or exposed to the cattle fever tick (Margaropus annulatus) shall be deemed to be in violation of the animal health laws of this state and shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 69-15-53 through 69-15-69. Nothing herein shall apply to livestock shipped through a recognized disinfecting station and accompanied by a regulation permit covering the movement therefrom.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-327 Duty of sheriff; penalty for failure to act.

It shall be the duty of the sheriff in any county in which the work of tick eradication is in progress, to render all livestock inspectors any assistance in the enforcement of this article and the regulations of the board of animal health. If the sheriff of any county shall neglect, fail or refuse to render this assistance when so required, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and be punishable as in other cases of malfeasance or misfeasance in office.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-329 Destruction of vats.

Any person or persons who shall wilfully damage or destroy by any means, any vat erected, or in the process of being erected, as herein provided for tick eradication purposes, shall be guilty of a felony, and upon conviction shall be imprisoned not less than six months, or more than five years in the state prison.

Miss. Code Ann. § 69-15-331 General penalty; injunction.

Except as otherwise provided in the particular sections of this chapter, any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of Articles 1, 3, 5 and 7 of this chapter, or any of the rules and regulations of the Board of Animal Health or interfering with any duly appointed officer of said board in the discharge of his duty, or for having discharged his duties, shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 69-15-53 through 69-15-69. When necessary to effect the purposes of this chapter, in addition to all other remedies in law or equity, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce may and is hereby authorized to petition the chancery court for an injunction to prevent any violation of the provisions of this chapter, or the continuance of any such violation or to enforce compliance herewith. The chancery court is hereby vested with authority to entertain jurisdiction on any such petition to determine the cause and to issue such process as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.