This article is enacted pursuant to the general police power, the authorities granted to cities and towns by the Texas State Constitution and the Texas Local Government Code.
(Ordinance 0214-00-A adopted 2/14/00)
The purposes of this article are to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the city. It is intended to be applicable to “large livestock” as defined herein, and to require the securing of large livestock for safety purposes and the requirement of identification of large livestock in order to determine ownership.
(Ordinance 0214-00-A adopted 2/14/00)
When used in this article, the following words, terms, and phrases and their derivations shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Animal Control Officer.
Any person employed or appointed by the city who is authorized to investigate and enforce violations relating to animal control under the provisions of this article.
At Large.
An animal is not under the direct control of the owner.
Direct Control.
Immediate, continuous physical control of an animal such as by means of a secure fence, or chain of such strength to restrain the livestock and controlled by a person capable of restraining the livestock, or safely and securely restrain the animal from roaming freely on the streets and highways. Direct control shall not be required of animal actually participating in a legal sport in an authorized area.
Large Livestock.
Cattle and horses of all types, and breeds whether pre- or cross-breed. This definition applies to all domesticated animals over 500 lbs., such as hogs, mules, deer, donkeys, horses and cattle.
Owner.
Any person, partnership, corporation or other legal entity owning, harboring or keeping any animal, or in the case of a person under the age of eighteen (18), that person’s parent or legal guardian. An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for three (3) or more consecutive days. This definition shall not apply to any veterinary clinic or boarding kennel.
Sanitary Condition.
A condition of good order and cleanliness to minimize the possibility of disease transmission.
(Ordinance 0214-00-A adopted 2/14/00)
The owner or keeper of large animals shall notify the police department if a large animal is on the streets/highways and is at large.
(Ordinance 0214-00-A adopted 2/14/00)
(a) 
The tattoo numbers should be implanted with green ink. For purposes of marking cattle, the left or right ear should bear the tattoo. Small ear type animals such as horses, mules and donkeys can be tattooed inside the upper and lower lip. The numeric tattoo should consist of eight (8) numbers.
(b) 
The eight-digit number should be the driver’s license number or identification number of the person who cares for and/or owns the animal.
(Ordinance 0214-00-A adopted 2/14/00)
An animal being sold to another person in the city does not need to be re-tattooed or branded. A transfer form must be submitted indicating the old and new owners’ information.
(Ordinance 0214-00-A adopted 2/14/00)
Persons preferring to brand animals can use only registered brands. Registered brands are defined as hot or cold brands registered at the county courthouse.
(Ordinance 0214-00-A adopted 2/14/00)
It shall be unlawful and a misdemeanor for any owner of livestock under this article to fail to comply with the requirements and conditions set forth in this article. Any livestock found to be in violation of this article shall be subject to fine and/or immediate seizure and impoundment.
(Ordinance 0214-00-A adopted 2/14/00)