New Ordinance Requires Vicious Dogs to be Confined in Mississippi City

A new ordinance in the city of Leland requires vicious dogs to be confined.

The Delta Democrat-Times reports the ordinance, approved by aldermen on Tuesday, takes effect Feb. 7.

City attorney Josh Bogen says the ordinance is similar to what Washington County and other municipalities have done.

It requires aggressive breeds, such as pit bulls, be securely confined. Owner must pay a $25 annual registration fee.

“It also requires that the owners carry liability insurance, specifically to cover an attack by a vicious dog, in the amount of $50,000,” Bogen said. “Violators will be subjected to a fine of not less than $250 and no more than $500 for each offense.”

Police Chief Billy Barber said the ordinance was very much needed.

“We’ve receive a lot of complaints from citizens and even public service workers, like mail carriers, firefighters and everybody else,” Barber said. “They go up to the houses to provide services, and they have to worry about dogs trying to attack them. At one point, they couldn’t deliver the mail down certain streets because of being afraid of pit bulls.”

Barber said he hopes the ordinance will prove effective.

“It gives the owners some responsibility for it, and, of course, if that responsibility is not met, there’re consequences behind it,” he said. “I don’t think anyone wants to pay a fine, and I think everyone should want to be in compliance with the ordinance because we are going to enforce it.”