Oktibbeha County, MS, currently does not have a leash law or dangerous/vicious dog ordinance. Over the last few years, dog bites (some severe) have made headlines—particularly “pit bull” bites—and on these occasions residents have asked the board to enact dog laws. Some of the board members have also looked into the dog laws of surrounding areas. Several board members and the county attorney have stated in the past that they do NOT want proposed dog laws to be breed-specific.
Despite ongoing dialogue about the need for county dog laws, the county remains without any kind of leash law or vicious dog law. A recent highly-publicized “pit bull” incident in the county has residents once again calling for county-wide vicious dog laws. The residents intend to approach the county board at the next board meeting, which should be September 5.
It is not clear at this time exactly what kind of law the residents will request, nor is it clear whether the board of supervisors will answer the call. However, considering the persistent requests for an ordinance and the news media’s focus on “pit bull” attacks specificially (which also focuses the public’s outrage on “pit bulls”), StopBSL feels that there is a possibility that the residents at the Sept 5 board meeting will request BSL or a breed ban.
Fortunately, the county board does not seem inclined toward breed-specific measures—but nevertheless, the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors could probably use some public encouragement to maintain a breed-neutral course. To contact the Board of Supervisors, call the County Administrator’s office at 662-323-1520 (a few supervisors have email; for details visit http://www.oktibbehacountyms.org/government/index.htm).
VERY important: keep correspondence respectful and informational; the county board has not expressed interest in breed-specific laws and several board members have made statements against breed-based discrimination. Please commend them and encourage them to continue thinking this way.
StopBSL would like to request assistance from locals and residents in the county to help keep an eye on the situation in Oktibbeha. The board’s agendas and minutes are not posted online, and news coverage hasn’t been the most reliable source. Ideally, a resident or local could make a special effort to stay in contact with the Chancery Clerk or the County Board of Supervisors in order to stay on top of developments.
Recent news article for more information on the situation in Oktibbeha: http://wcbi.com/article.php?subaction=showfull&id=1313439988&archive=&start_from=&ucat=2
Earlier news articles:
Feb 2011: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=9985
Aug 2010: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=7405
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