(a) 
All dogs and cats shall be vaccinated by four (4) months of age, then given a booster vaccination after a twelve-month period.
(b) 
A metal certificate of vaccination with the year of vaccination; a certificate number; and the name, address and phone number of the vaccinating veterinarian must be securely attached to a collar or harness that must be worn by the dog or cat at all times. In addition to the metal certificate, a paper certificate must be issued by the vaccinating veterinarian and contain the following information:
(1) 
Owner’s name, address, and telephone number or the address and phone number of the owner’s nearest relative or friend at home or work;
(2) 
Animal identification–species, sex (including neutered if applicable), approximate age (three months to 12 months, 12 months or older), size (pounds), predominant breed, colors and name;
(3) 
Vaccine used–producer, expiration date, and serial number;
(4) 
Date vaccinated;
(5) 
Date vaccination expires (revaccination due date);
(6) 
Rabies tag number;
(7) 
Veterinarian’s signature or signature stamp and license number.
(c) 
The owner of any dog or cat shall display and exhibit a current vaccination certificate for his or her animal upon request of the city sanitarian or animal control officer.
(d) 
Every dog and cat that received a one-year vaccine shall be vaccinated at least once within each twelve-month period from the time of its last vaccination. Every dog and cat that received a three-year vaccine shall be vaccinated every three (3) years from the time of its last vaccination.
(e) 
A veterinarian who vaccinates a dog or cat against rabies shall, upon request of the city sanitarian or animal control officer, acknowledge to such officer whether or not an animal at a particular location, or owned by a named person, has been vaccinated with an annual or triennial vaccination and other pertinent information.
(f) 
A rabies tag shall be valid only for the dog or cat for which it was originally issued.
(g) 
Any person establishing residence within the city shall comply with the vaccination requirements of this section within ten (10) days of establishing such residency.
(1990 Code, sec. 2.201; Ordinance adopting Code)
(a) 
A person commits an offense if the person transports a dog or cat three months of age or older without having an official rabies vaccination certificate or tag showing that the dog or cat, within the period prescribed by section 4.03.001, has been vaccinated to prevent rabies.
(b) 
An offense under this section is a class C misdemeanor.
(c) 
The local rabies control authority shall dismiss the charges against a person if the authority receives proof, within 10 days of the issuance of the citation, that the animal had been vaccinated to prevent rabies according to section 4.03.001 before the date of the citation.
(d) 
A person does not commit an offense under subsection (a) if the person is a veterinarian, a peace officer, a person employed by an animal shelter, or a person who is employed by or under contract with the state or a political subdivision of the state to deal with stray animals and who has temporary ownership, custody, or control of the dog or cat in connection with that position.
(1990 Code, sec. 2.205)
It shall be unlawful for any owner, keeper or harborer of any cat to let such cat run at large, unless a valid rabies tag is attached to its collar or harness.
(1990 Code, sec. 2.203)
Any unspayed female dog or cat in the state of estrus shall be confined during such period of time in an anti-escape house, building or enclosure, and said area of enclosure shall be so constructed that no other dog or cat may gain access to the confined animal. Owners who do not comply shall be ordered by the animal control officer to remove the animal in estrus to a boarding kennel, veterinary hospital or animal shelter. All expenses incurred as a result of confinement shall be paid by the owner. Failure to comply with the removal order of the animal control officer shall be a violation of this section and the dog or cat will be impounded.
(1990 Code, sec. 2.204)
It shall be unlawful for any person to skin or to buy or sell or attempt to buy or sell the skin of any domesticated dog or cat within the city or cause such animals to be skinned or to cause such skin to be bought or sold within the city.
(1990 Code, sec. 2.1100)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful for an owner or keeper of a dog to restrain the animal by means of a tether.
(b) 
A violation of this section shall not occur when:
(1) 
The animal is being restrained for veterinarian treatment, grooming, training or law enforcement activity.
(2) 
The owner or keeper is in the physical presence of the animal.
(3) 
The owner or keeper is walking the dog with a handheld leash.
(c) 
Nothing in this section authorizes a dog's owner or keeper to allow a dog to run at large or to fail to provide an appropriate restraint or enclosure as required by this article.
(Ordinance 08-129 adopted 11/25/08)
(a) 
Permit required.
No person shall conduct, operate, or keep any multipet premises or sterilized multipet premises within the city, without first obtaining a multipet permit or sterilized multipet premises.
(1) 
Permit applications shall be reviewed by the animal control supervisor, the city sanitarian, and the city building official.
(2) 
Multipet premises and sterilized multipet premises shall meet the requirements for care of domesticated animals, public nuisance, and the prevention of zoonotic diseases.
(3) 
Permits must be renewed annually and each renewal will require inspection and approval. The animal control supervisor, the city sanitarian, and the city building official shall have the authority to inspect the facility at any reasonable time.
(b) 
Application for permit.
(1) 
A person who wishes to obtain a permit may apply to the city’s community development department. An application for a permit shall include:
(A) 
The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant;
(B) 
The name, address, and telephone number of the proposed location;
(C) 
A description of the types and numbers of animals proposed to be on site;
(D) 
A site plan showing the location of any dog runs, houses, and/or kennels, and any proposed methods to be used to minimize impacts on adjacent neighbors;
(E) 
For a sterilized multipet permit, applicant shall also provide proof from the veterinarian performing the sterilization that all animals on the premises have been sterilized; and
(F) 
Any other information deemed necessary by the animal control supervisor.
(2) 
An application for a permit must be submitted within 30 days of meeting the definition of a multipet premises or sterilized multipet premises as defined in section 4.01.001.
(3) 
Time to obtain permit. Any premises that currently meet the definition of a multipet premises or sterilized multipet premises, as defined in section 4.01.001, shall have until October 1, 2010 to obtain a permit.
(c) 
Fee and terms.
The following fees and permit terms shall be applicable:
(1) 
Multipet permit.
Each permit application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable $250.00 fee for the first year and $100.00 for each consecutive year.
(2) 
Sterilized multipet permit.
Each permit application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable $100.00 fee for the first year and $20.00 for each consecutive year.
(3) 
A permit is effective for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually.
(d) 
Regulations and standards.
All kennels shall meet the following requirements for cages and sanitation:
(1) 
No multipet premises shall have more than one litter of puppies or kittens on the premises at any one time.
(2) 
Animals shall be kept in areas which maintain adequate sanitation which shall mean periodic cleaning and sanitizing enclosures and housing facilities to remove excreta and other waste materials.
(3) 
Animals shall be housed in enclosures with adequate space for the animals to make normal postural and social adjustments with adequate freedom of movement to maintain physical condition. Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of malnutrition, poor condition, debility, stress, or abnormal behavior patterns.
(4) 
Housing for animals shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair to protect animals from injury and restrict entrance of other animals or the escape of animals contained therein.
(5) 
Animals shall be afforded proper veterinarian care. A sick, diseased, or injured animal shall be provided with a proper program of care by a veterinarian or humanely euthanized.
(6) 
Animals shall be provided with an adequate supply of fresh, clean, potable water provided in a sanitary manner and wholesome food suitable for species and age as often as the feeding habits of such animals require to maintain a reasonable level of nutrition. If kept outdoors, water shall be provided at all times.
(7) 
If kept outdoors, animals shall be provided with proper shelter. All shelters must have three sides and a roof and be large enough for the animal to enter, turn around and to lie down. Shelter shall be provided for each individual animal. Shelter for females with offspring shall be large enough for the female to nurse the puppies without harming them.
(8) 
All animals shall be treated in a humane manner.
(e) 
Failure of an applicant or permit holder to comply with any of the provisions of the permit shall be deemed just cause for denial or revocation of the permit.
(f) 
City animal control officers shall be allowed to inspect any multipet premises or sterilized multipet premises following any complaint received by the animal control division.
(g) 
Permits issued pursuant to this section shall not be transferable to any other person, entity or location.
(h) 
Exemptions.
This section shall not be construed to apply to:
(1) 
Other uses regulated by the city’s zoning ordinance;
(2) 
Animals owned by, or in the possession or control of persons who are nonresidents of the city, traveling through the city, or temporarily sojourning therein for a period not exceeding 30 days;
(3) 
Animals kept for teaching or research purposes by a medical school, veterinary school, licensed hospital or nonprofit university or college providing a degree program;
(4) 
Animals kept for the purposes of medical observation or treatment in veterinary hospitals;
(5) 
Animals owned by, or in the possession or control of persons who have been residents of the city for 30 days or less.
(i) 
In any prosecution under this section, the burden shall be upon the defendant to establish as an affirmative defense that one of the exceptions set out in subsection (h), above, is applicable.
(j) 
Denial or revocation.
A permit application may be denied, or a permit may be revoked for any of the following reasons:
(1) 
Failure to comply with any provisions of the permit;
(2) 
Failing inspection;
(3) 
Conviction of noise disturbance or public nuisance for barking dogs;
(4) 
Whenever permit holder has willfully withheld or falsified any information required for the permit;
(5) 
If the applicant or permit holder has been convicted of, by a court of law, more than two violations of this section within any 12-month period, or, has been convicted of cruelty to animals in this or any other state in the last five (5) years. For purposes of this section, a bail forfeiture shall be deemed to be a conviction of offense charged.
(k) 
If a permit is denied or revoked, no new permit application will be accepted from the same person or location for a period of one year after such denial or revocation.
(l) 
Upon denial or revocation of a permit, the applicant will be given 10 days to remove excess animals from the property, take other actions necessary to be in compliance with these regulations or deliver a written request of an appeal to the animal control supervisor.
(m) 
Notice of denial or revocation.
If the animal control supervisor denies an application or a request for renewal, or revokes an existing permit, a notice of the denial or revocation shall be provided to the applicant or permit holder in writing not later than the 10th business day after the determination to deny an application or renewal or to revoke a permit. The notice of denial or revocation shall be sent to the permit holder or applicant by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the permit holder or applicant.
(n) 
Appeal process.
(1) 
A person may appeal the denial or revocation of a permit by delivering a written request for an appeal to the animal control supervisor not more than 10 days after the first date of mailing written notice of denial or revocation.
(2) 
Any such appeal will be heard and decided by administrative appeal to the city municipal judge.
(o) 
Hearing.
The animal control supervisor shall cause written notice to be given to the applicant or permit holder that a hearing on his appeal will be conducted. Such notice shall include the following:
(1) 
The place where the hearing will be conducted; and
(2) 
The date and time of the hearing, which shall be not later than the tenth day after the date the notice was sent to the applicant or permittee; provided that the municipal judge may continue the hearing upon the written request of the licensee.
(p) 
All hearings shall be held by the municipal judge, who shall not designate any person to perform the duties of hearing officer under this section. The municipal judge, may, prior to the hearing, receive a copy of the notice given to the applicant or permit holder.
(q) 
The city attorney or his or her designee may be present at the hearing to advise the hearing officer as to procedural matters; however, the attorney shall not participate in any determination of the facts.
(r) 
All hearings shall be conducted under rules consistent with the informal nature of the proceedings; provided, however, the following rules shall apply to all hearings:
(1) 
All parties shall have the right to representation by an attorney licensed to practice in the state though an attorney is not required;
(2) 
Each party may present witnesses in his own behalf;
(3) 
Each party has the right to cross examine all witnesses;
(4) 
Only evidence presented before the hearing officer at the hearing shall be considered in rendering the decision;
(5) 
The municipal judge may affirm or reverse a permit denial or a permit revocation. The decision of the municipal judge shall be final and shall be delivered in writing to the applicant or permit holder in the same manner as a notice under subsection (m) of this section.
(s) 
Violation.
An offense under this section is a class C misdemeanor. A person who violates this section is guilty of a separate offense for each act of violation and each day or part of day the violation is committed, continues, or permitted. Each offense, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000.00, unless otherwise specified. In addition to the penalty described above, the city may pursue other remedies such as abatement of nuisances, injunctive relief, administrative adjudication, and revocation of licenses or permits.
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, harbor, or in any way possess a dangerous dog within the city, unless such dangerous dog is properly registered with the city, the registration fee in section A4.03.041 of appendix A to this code is paid, and said dangerous dog is maintained within the city in accordance with the requirements of this division.
(a) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, harbor, or in any way possess a dangerous dog within the city without complying with the following standards and requirements:
(1) 
Leash and muzzle.
No person shall permit a registered dangerous dog to go outside its kennel or pen unless such dog is securely leashed with a leash no longer than six (6) feet in length. No person shall permit a dangerous dog to be kept on a chain, rope, or other type of leash outside its kennel or pen unless a person is in physical control of the leash. Such dog shall not be leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts, buildings, etc. Each dangerous dog on a leash outside the animal’s kennel must be muzzled by a muzzling device sufficient to prevent such dog from biting persons or other animals.
(2) 
Confinement.
All registered dangerous dogs shall be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or kennel, except when leashed and muzzled as provided herein. Such pen, kennel, or structure must have secure sides and a secure top attached to the sides. All structures used to confine registered dangerous dogs must be locked with a key or a combination lock when such animals are within the structure. Such structure must have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the pen, or the sides of the pen must be embedded in the ground no less than two (2) feet. All structures that are erected to house dangerous dogs must comply with all zoning and building regulations of the city. All such structures must be adequately lighted and ventilated and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
(3) 
Confinement indoors.
No dangerous dog may be kept on a porch, patio, or in any part of a house or structure that would allow the dog to exit such building of its own volition. In addition, no dangerous dog may be kept in a house or structure when the windows are open or when screen windows or screen doors are the only obstacle preventing the dog from exiting the structure.
(4) 
Signs.
All owners of registered dangerous dogs within the city shall display in a prominent place on their premises a sign easily readable by the public using the words “Beware of Dog.” In addition, a similar sign shall be posted on the kennel or pen of such animal.
(5) 
Insurance.
All owners of registered dangerous dogs shall provide proof to the city of liability insurance in a single-incident amount of five hundred thousand ($500,000.00) dollars for bodily injury or death of any person or persons, or for damage to property owned by any person which may result from the ownership of such animal. Such insurance policy shall provide that no cancellation of the written policy may be made unless ten (10) days’ written notice is first given to the city.
(6) 
Identification photograph and microchip.
All owners of registered dangerous dogs shall provide to the city two (2) color photographs of the registered animal in two (2) different poses showing the color and approximate size of the animal. All owners of registered dangerous dogs shall have the dog microchipped and list the Animal Control Division as the secondary contact with the microchip company.
(7) 
Sterilization required.
All owners of registered dangerous dogs shall provide to the city proof of sterilization within fifteen (15) days of the dog being declared a dangerous dog. The only exceptions to this spaying or neutering requirement shall be if a licensed veterinarian confirms in writing that either the dog is past the age for breeding, or its condition otherwise makes it inadvisable to spay or neuter the dog.
(8) 
Inspections.
The owner must allow an annual inspection of the residence where the dog is kept in order for the department to verify continued compliance with all requirements of this section. More frequent inspections may be conducted in response to specific complaints regarding non-compliance with this section.
(9) 
Reporting requirements.
All owners of registered dangerous dogs shall, within ten (10) days of an incident, report the following information in writing to the city:
(A) 
Removal from the city or death of said dog;
(B) 
New address if owner moves within the city;
(C) 
The name and address of the new owner upon sale or transfer of ownership.
(b) 
For purposes of this section, a person learns that the person is the owner of a dangerous dog when:
(1) 
The owner or responsible party knows of an attack described in the definition of “dangerous dog” in section 4.01.001; or
(2) 
The owner or responsible party is informed by the animal control officer that the dog is a dangerous dog.
(a) 
Should any person desire to file a complaint concerning an animal which is believed to be a dangerous animal, a sworn, written complaint must be filed with the animal control division of the city.
(b) 
If a person reports an incident described in the definition of “dangerous dog” in section 4.01.001, the animal control officer may investigate the incident. If, after receiving the sworn statements of any witnesses, the animal control officer determines the dog is a dangerous dog, the animal control officer shall notify the owner of that fact.
An owner or responsible party, not later than the 30th 15th day after the date the owner or responsible party is notified that a dog owned by the owner or responsible party is a dangerous dog, may appeal the determination of the animal control officer to the municipal court. An owner may appeal the decision of the municipal court in the same manner as appeal for other civil cases.
(a) 
It is a defense to prosecution under section 4.03.041 or section 4.03.042 that the person is a veterinarian, a peace officer, a person employed by the city animal shelter, or a person employed by the state or a political subdivision of the state to deal with stray animals and has temporary ownership, custody, or control of the dog in connection with that position.
(b) 
It is a defense to prosecution under section 4.03.041 or section 4.03.042 that the person is an employee of the institutional division of the state department of criminal justice or a law enforcement agency and trains or uses dogs for law enforcement or corrections purposes.
(c) 
It is a defense to prosecution under section 4.03.041 or section 4.03.042 that the person is a dog trainer or an employee of a guard dog company under the Private Security Act (V.T.C.A., Occupations Code, chapter 1702).
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this division shall be subject to the penalties as provided for in section 1.01.009, and each and every day said violation shall continue shall be subject to a fine for each offense.
(a) 
A person commits an offense under state law, pursuant to the Texas Health and Safety Code, if the person is the owner of a dangerous dog and the dog makes an unprovoked attack on another person outside the dog’s enclosure and causes bodily injury to the other person.
(b) 
It shall be a violation of this chapter for an owner or keeper to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly fail to prevent a dangerous dog, from killing or wounding, or assisting in the killing or wounding of any domestic animal belonging to or in the possession of another person, or for an owner or keeper to fail to prevent a dangerous dog from attacking, assaulting, biting or otherwise injuring any person or assisting in the attack, assault, biting, or other injury of any person whether out of or within the enclosure of the owner or keeper, and whether or not such dangerous dog was on a leash or securely muzzled or whether or not the dangerous dog escaped without the knowledge or consent of the owner or keeper. If a person is found guilty of an offense under this section, the court may order the dangerous dog destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner.
(Ordinance 22-001 adopted 1/11/22)