The city expressly adopts chapter 822 et seq. of the Texas Health and Safety Code. The city is further authorized to administer the provisions necessary to enable the use of said provisions. Such adoption should in no way be construed to limit the authority of the city to provide for the safety of citizenry in relation to its daily activities.
(1998 Code, sec. 2.702)
The city expressly allows the same provisions for dangerous animals as are used for dangerous dogs.
(1998 Code, sec. 2.703)
(a) 
Exception for guard dogs.
Dogs maintained lawfully as guard dogs or attack dogs as defined herein shall not be included in the definition of “wild or dangerous animal.” As used in this section, the term “guard dog or attack dog” means any dog intended to attack intruders that has completed professional training and is certified, or has been comparably trained, such that its attack can be stopped on command.
(b) 
Warning signs required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to leave any guard or attack dog unattended in any place inside any building unless a warning sign has been placed in a clearly visible location at the premises, located so that it can be seen by any person before entering the place to which the dog has access, warning that a guard or attack dog is present. It shall be unlawful for any person to leave any guard or attack dog unattended in any place outside a building except in a fenced yard, with a fence adequate to prevent the dog from leaving the premises, and with a warning sign placed in a clearly visible location at the premises, located so that it can be seen by any person before entering the place to which the dog has access, warning that a guard dog or attack dog is present.
(1998 Code, sec. 2.704)
If the owner of a registered dangerous animal sells or gives the animal to another person, the owner shall notify the other person at the time of the sale or gift that the animal is a registered dangerous animal.
(1998 Code, sec. 2.705)
If a new owner keeps the animal within the city, he shall register the animal with the city within ten (10) calendar days after receiving it.
(1998 Code, sec. 2.706)
When the owner of an animal registered as a dangerous animal in another jurisdiction becomes a resident of the city, he shall register the animal with the animal control authority with the city within ten (10) calendar days after becoming a new resident.
(Ordinance 2012-07-11, sec. 3.05, adopted 8/6/12)
Editor’s note–Former section 2.07.007 “notice to other jurisdiction when animal is moved” which derived from the 1998 Code, sec. 2.708, was deleted by Ordinance 2012-07-11, sec. 3.06, adopted 8/6/12.
The owner of a registered dangerous dog shall notify the city of all attacks made by the dog on domestic animals and domestic fowl.
(1998 Code, sec. 2.709)
(a) 
Destruction of animal when impoundment is not possible.
If impoundment of a dangerous animal is being attempted away from the premises of the owner and the impoundment cannot be made with safety, the animal may be destroyed without notice to the owner or harborer. If an attempt is made to impound a dangerous animal from the premises of the owner or harborer and the impoundment cannot be made with safety, the owner or harborer will be given twenty-four (24) hours’ notice that, if said animal is not surrendered to the city within said twenty-four-hour period, then the animal will be destroyed wherever it is found. After this notice, the dangerous animal may be destroyed during an attempt to impound if impoundment cannot be made with safety, wherever the impoundment is attempted. Notice under this section shall be in writing. A written notice left at the entrance to the premises where the dangerous animal is harbored will be considered valid notice as of the date and time of posting. In lieu of surrendering the animal to the city, an owner may permanently remove said animal from the city, if written proof of destination is provided to the city and transport is made in compliance with this article.
(b) 
Disposition of unclaimed animals.
A dangerous animal impounded pursuant to this article and not reclaimed by its owner under the requirements of this article within ten (10) calendar days from the date of notice of impoundment shall be deemed abandoned and, at the discretion of the city, euthanized in a humane manner.
(1998 Code, sec. 2.710)
No dangerous animal shall be returned to its owner at any time unless authorized by this article and all owner’s requirements are fulfilled.
(1998 Code, sec. 2.711)