[1]
State law reference–Restraint, impoundment and disposition of dogs and cats, V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code, sec. 826.033.
(a) 
Violation.
No person shall cause, permit, or allow an animal to be, and no owner shall fail to prevent their animal from being at-large within the city. Voice command alone shall not be sufficient restraint, confinement, or control. An at-large animal registered in a person’s name shall constitute prima face evidence that such person is the owner and such person allowed the animal to run at-large. An at-large unregistered animal which consistently returns to a residence shall constitute prima face evidence that the owner, lessee or occupant of such residence is the owner of the animal, and that such person allowed the animal to run at-large.
(b) 
Exceptions.
It shall not be a violation of this section:
(1) 
If an animal is fully confined within its owner’s vehicle or trailer, or the vehicle or trailer of another with such owner’s consent, in compliance with the provisions of this chapter; or
(2) 
If a dog is within a designated off-leash area within a city park facility, in compliance with posted rules at such city park facility and/or off-leash area.
(Ordinance CO20-11-12-22-C1 adopted 12/22/11)
(a) 
Impoundment of animals running at-large.
An animal control officer may seize any animal, whether or not vaccinated and/or registered, found running at-large within the city.
(b) 
Registry of impounded animals to be kept.
An animal control officer, upon seizing any animal, shall make a complete registry entering the breed, color, sex, species of such animal, and determine if the animal is registered. If registered, the animal control officer shall obtain the name and address of its owner and the number of the registration tag and make every reasonable effort to promptly notify the owner of the impoundment.
(c) 
Liability for fees and expenses.
The owner of an impounded animal shall be responsible for any fees and expenses incurred by animal control, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, and/or their designee, for seizure, impoundment, medical treatment, and daily care and boarding of the impounded animal. In addition to the impoundment fees and expenses, the owner shall also be responsible for any fine and court costs for a class C misdemeanor violation of this article, as provided by section 2.01.003(f) of this chapter.
(d) 
Procedure to redeem impounded dogs.
(1) 
The owner of any impounded dog may redeem such dog any time prior to the release to authorized third-party animal adoption agencies, shelter or rescue group, or destruction as set forth hereinafter by:
(A) 
Paying the fees and expenses incurred by animal control, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, and/or their designee, for seizure, impoundment, medical treatment, and care and daily boarding of the impounded animal; and
(B) 
Having on their person a valid city registration receipt and certificate of antirabies vaccination showing the dog to have been vaccinated as required by section 169.29(a) of the Texas Administrative Code, as amended.
(2) 
In the event the dog is not properly registered prior to redemption, the owner must register said dog immediately with the city; however, if the dog is not vaccinated at the time of redemption, the owner shall have vaccinated such dog, submit to animal control a certificate of vaccination for such dog, and have such dog registered. Failure to submit such certificate of vaccination to animal control and have such dog registered within seven (7) days after redemption shall be a violation of this section.
(e) 
Procedure to redeem impounded animals, other than dogs.
The owner of any impounded animal may redeem such animal any time prior to the release to authorized third-party animal adoption agencies, shelter or rescue group, or destruction as set forth hereinafter by paying the fees and expenses incurred by animal control, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, and/or their designee, for seizure, impoundment, medical treatment, and care and daily boarding of the impounded animal.
(f) 
Authority to request and issue warrants.
An animal control officer may apply for and obtain a warrant or other legal writ from the municipal judge or justice court to seize any animal alleged to be in violation of this chapter. The municipal judge or justice of the peace shall have the authority to issue such warrant.
State law references–Restraint, impoundment and disposition of dogs and cats, V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code, sec. 826.033; quarantine and impoundment facilities generally, V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code, sec. 826.051 et seq.
(Ordinance CO20-11-12-22-C1 adopted 12/22/11)
(a) 
Disposition.
Any animal impounded in accordance with the provisions of this article shall be kept and so impounded by animal control, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, and/or their designee, for a minimum period of seventy-two (72) hours, unless earlier redeemed by the owner. During this period, an animal control officer shall make all reasonable efforts to identify and contact the owner of an impounded animal, including review of the city’s registration records, contacting persons in the area where the animal was found, and examination for an implanted microchip. At the expiration of the impoundment period, the impounded animal becomes the property of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter and shall be maintained, released, and/or disposed of pursuant to its policies and procedures.
(b) 
Animal control officer to keep record of disposition of animals.
The animal control officer or its designee shall keep all records as may be required to show, in detail, the disposition of all animals impounded, fees and expenses collected, and such other information as may be required.
(Ordinance CO20-11-12-22-C1 adopted 12/22/11)