The Protecting Our Hunting Dogs Act; create.

HB 1497, "The Protect Our Hunting Dogs Act," prohibits intentionally injuring or killing hunting dogs in Mississippi, directly affecting all residents and hunters. The bill defines "hunting dogs" broadly (including bird dogs and retrievers) and makes such acts a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, $10,000 fines, or both, plus mandatory restitution for veterinary costs, replacement value, and related losses. It also grants handlers limited rights to retrieve stray hunting dogs from private property under specific conditions - without weapons, with prior notice when possible, and without damaging property - while preempting conflicting local laws. The act takes effect July 1, 2026, and explicitly excludes lawful self-defense scenarios.