Mississippi § 97-41-1 - Living creatures not to be cruelly treated.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 97-41-1 — Living creatures not to be cruelly treated., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 97-41-1. Living creatures not to be cruelly treated.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 97-41-16 for a dog or cat, if any person shall intentionally or with criminal negligence override, overdrive, overload, torture, torment, unjustifiably injure, deprive of necessary sustenance, food, or drink; or cruelly beat or needlessly mutilate; or cause or procure to be overridden, overdriven, overloaded, tortured, unjustifiably injured, tormented, or deprived of necessary sustenance, food or drink; or to be cruelly beaten or needlessly mutilated or killed, any living creature, every such offender shall, for every offense, be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 97-41-1
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 97-41-1 cover?
Section 97-41-1 ("Living creatures not to be cruelly treated.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Mississippi § 97-41-1?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 97-41-1" (Mississippi). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Mississippi law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.
How does Mississippi § 97-41-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.