DeSoto animal code takes effect June 19

HERNANDO, Miss. (AP) - A revised animal-control ordinance will allow DeSoto County animal-control officers to issue citations takes effect June 19.

Under the animal-control ordinance, the sheriff can have officers of DeSoto Animal Services sworn as deputies for the sole purpose of enforcing the code.

As to carrying firearms, Sheriff Bill Rasco tells The Commercial Appeal (https://bit.ly/1osrIkA), animal-control staff would be subject to “the same training and qualifications as any of our officers.”

Supervisor Bill Russell of Walls says giving the animal-control officers citation power will speed things up on processing violations.

Board attorney Tony Nowak says matters such as chaining and numbers of animals owned are addressed under the ordinance’s “adequate care” provisions.

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Information from: The Commercial Appeal, https://www.commercialappeal.com