For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply, unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
Animal.
Any live vertebrate creature, domestic or wild, excluding man.
Animal services.
The agent for the confinement, maintenance, safekeeping and control of dogs or other animals which come into the custody of the city enforcement agent in the performance of his or her official duties.
At large.
An animal which is not under the control of the owner, or other person(s) acting on the behalf of the owner.
Bite.
Any abrasion, puncture, or tear of the skin actually or suspected of being caused by the teeth or the claws of an animal.
City enforcement agent.
The person or persons who is or has been designated by the city and is responsible for the enforcement of this article and the regulations promulgated hereunder.
Collar.
A band, chain, harness or suitable device worn around the neck of a dog to which a license tag may be affixed.
Dangerous dog.
Any dog which has a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack when unprovoked; any dog who chases, approaches (or otherwise) or by its actions puts a person in the state of fear while on public ground or in public places; and/or any dog which is kept for the purpose of dog fighting or which has been trained to attack upon command.
Department of animal services.
Any establishment authorized by the city enforcement agent.
Dog.
A member of the Canis familiaris family.
Livestock.
Horses, mules, donkeys, cattle, goat, sheep and similar domesticated farm animals regardless of age, sex, size and breed.
Neutered.
Includes both male and female animals and means a variety of operations that prevent conception.
Owner.
Any person owning, keeping, possessing, harboring or maintaining a dog or other animal.
Quarantine.
Strict confinement (under restraint by closed padlocked cage which has been approved by the department of animal services) on the private premises of the animal’s owner, a licensed veterinarian or the department of animal services.
Secure enclosure.
A fenced area or structure which meets all of the following criteria. It must be:
(1) 
Locked;
(2) 
Capable of the prevention of the entry of the general public, including children;
(3) 
Capable of the prevention of the escape or release of the animal;
(4) 
Clearly marked signifying that the animal is dangerous; and
(5) 
In conformance with the requirements for enclosures as established by the local animal control authority.
Vaccination.
An anti-rabies vaccination, using a type of vaccine approved by the city’s public health officer.
Veterinarian.
Unless otherwise indicated, any veterinarian who is licensed to practice in the State of Texas, who provides clinical facilities and houses animals or birds for dental, medical or surgical treatment. A veterinary hospital may have adjacent to it (or as an integral part of it) pens, stalls, cages, or kennels for quarantine, for observation or for boarding.
(Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.01; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code; Ordinance 21-05 adopted 12/16/21)
(a) 
No person owning, keeping, possessing, harboring or maintaining a dog or other animal shall allow the dog or other animal to be at large. The following shall be an affirmative defense against prosecution under this section:
(1) 
If the dog is securely restrained within a fenced area (or other enclosure), or under the control of the owner either by leash, chain, cord or other suitable material of not more than six feet in length and having sufficient strength to control the actions of the dog. However, if the dog is tied or staked upon any open or unfenced lots or land within the city, the dog shall be tied or staked in a manner so as to prevent the dog from getting on, across or within eight feet of any street, alley, park or other public property.
(2) 
If the dog is actively engaged in dog obedience training (while accompanied by and under the control of his or her owner or trainer, provided that the person training the dog has in his or her possession a dog leash of not more than six feet in length and of sufficient strength to control the dog), and further, if that dog is actually enrolled in a dog obedience training school which has been approved by the city enforcement agent.
(3) 
If the dog is in the process of being exhibited at an American Kennel Club approved show.
(b) 
The person who walks any dangerous and/or aggressive dog on any public street or property must be over 17 years of age. It is therefore “unlawful” for anyone 17 years of age or younger to walk any dangerous or aggressive dog on any public street or property (or on any private property without written permission) without the direct supervision of a parent or person who is legally responsible for the said subject.
(c) 
The following dogs may not be handled by anyone who is not over 17 years of age (handling by a person who is 17 years of age or younger is illegal): species of the Rottweiler, Chow, Doberman, Pit, German Shepherd, Bull Mastiff family and/or any other dog (larger or smaller) of which the qualified person does not have full control. Other prohibited dogs may be added by the city enforcement agent or the chief of police.
(d) 
All qualified adults must have full control of any/all of above-named dogs (and any other dog or animal that they are said to be in control of) in a public place or on private property.
(e) 
The city enforcement agent shall have the authority to apprehend and impound any dog or other animal that is running at large contrary to the provisions of this section.
(f) 
When an enforcement agent has commenced pursuit of an animal running at large, he or she may continue the pursuit and follow the animal onto any unenclosed private property for the purpose of apprehending the animal as soon as possible.
(Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.02; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code)
(a) 
Holding period for unregistered animals.
Each unregistered dog, cat or ferret impounded shall be kept and maintained at the department for three days. At the expiration of three days, if no person claims the animal, the city enforcement officer shall take possession and place the dog, cat or ferret for adoption or may dispose of the dog, cat or ferret in a humane manner.
(b) 
Holding period for registered animals; notification to owner.
Immediately upon impounding a registered dog, cat or ferret or other animal, the city enforcement agent shall make a reasonable effort to inform the owner or harborer of such dog or other animal so impounded of the conditions whereby such dog or other animal may be redeemed. If a registered dog, cat or ferret is not reclaimed within seven days, the city enforcement agent shall take possession and may place the dog, cat or ferret for adoption or may dispose of the dog, cat or ferret in a humane manner.
(c) 
Reclaim or adoption.
(1) 
Any impounded dog, cat or ferret, whether registered or unregistered, may be reclaimed, provided that the person reclaiming the dog, cat or ferret furnishes proof of right to do so and pays all established fees. If placed for adoption, anyone may adopt the dog, cat, or ferret, provided the person pays all established fees.
(2) 
Any person who reclaims or adopts an animal from the department of animal services must register the animal, or update the animal's registration, in accordance with section 3.01.006 before they leave the shelter with the animal.
(3) 
Any person who reclaims or adopts from the department of animal services an animal that is not spaved or neutered shall agree to spay, or neuter the animal and provide proof of such to the department within 90 days of the date the animal is reclaimed or adopted or, for animals under the age of four months (120 days), within 210 days of the date the animal is reclaimed or adopted. It is unlawful for an owner to fail or refuse to spay or neuter their reclaimed or adopted dog, cat or ferret and provide proof of such to the department within 90 or 210 days, as applicable, of the date the animal is reclaimed or adopted. Should the reclaimed or adopted animal be lost or die before the spay or neuter surgery occurs, the owner shall report the loss or death to the department within 24 hours of the discovery of the loss or death.
(d) 
Fees.
(1) 
Impoundment costs shall be as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code.
(2) 
In addition to the impoundment fees, a boarding charge shall be made as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code.
(3) 
Any person adopting an animal from the department of animal services shall pay an adoption fee as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code.
(4) 
In addition to an impoundment or adoption fee, any person reclaiming or adopting an animal under this section shall pay a microchip fee, rabies vaccination fee, and registration fee, as applicable in order to comply with subsection (c) of this section.
(e) 
The city enforcement agent or his or her representative shall have the right to repossess livestock, in determining the number of animals which may be kept on a tract of land.
(Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.03; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code; Ordinance 21-05 adopted 12/16/21; Ordinance 22-04 adopted 8/18/2022; Ordinance 24-05 adopted 6/20/2024)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere when the city enforcement agent is performing a duty or exercising authority imposed or granted by law. It shall be unlawful for the owner or person in control of any dog or other animal to refuse any enforcement agent’s lawful request to see and examine any such animal or to conceal such animal or otherwise interfere with its lawful examination by an enforcement agent, when such agent advises the owner or person in control of such animal that he or she wants to make such lawful examination in connection with an investigation of a bite case or a cruelty to animal case. It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with or injure an animal which is under the lawful control of the city enforcement agent.
(b) 
It shall be unlawful for any owner or agent of a commercial retail business which sells pets to refuse to allow the city enforcement agent to conduct a lawful search of the premises of such business for the purpose of ensuring compliance with this article.
(Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.04)
(a) 
There shall be no more than four un-neutered dogs, cats or ferrets, or any combination of four thereof, over the age of four months at any residence or location inside the city limits.
(b) 
If a person keeps only neutered animals, there shall be no more than a total of ten neutered dogs, cats or ferrets, or any combination of ten thereof.
(c) 
A person may not keep four un-neutered animals and four neutered. If more than four animals are kept, they all must be neutered.
(d) 
The limits of animals do not apply to a business selling pets if the following conditions are met:
(1) 
The business is properly licensed and inspected and in agreement with the ordinances of the city; and
(2) 
The business is not located in a residential area of the city.
(Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.05)
(a) 
Registration required.
All dogs, cats and ferrets that are kept inside the city limits must be registered with the department of animal services. Every newly acquired dog, cat or ferret shall be registered to the new owner within 30 days of ownership. Any new resident of the city who owns a dog, cat or ferret shall register the animal within 30 days of moving to the city. It shall be unlawful for any person to own any dog, cat or ferret unless such dog, cat or ferret has been registered as required by this section.
(b) 
Proof of rabies vaccination.
No animal shall be registered under this section unless the owner has presented a statement of proof of current rabies vaccination from a veterinarian.
(c) 
Proof of microchip.
No animal shall be registered under this section unless the owner has presented proof that the animal has been implanted with a microchip and proof that the microchip registration information is current.
(d) 
Fees.
No animal shall be registered under this section unless the owner has paid the applicable registration fees as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code.
(Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.06; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code; Ordinance 24-05 adopted 6/20/2024)
(a) 
Anyone wishing to breed dogs, cats or ferrets in the city limits may have not more than four un-neutered adult animals. All puppies, kittens, or baby ferrets must be removed from the residence before they turn four months old.
(b) 
Anyone who allows their animals to breed and have more than one litter per year or who sells, trades or receives anything of value for the litter will be considered to be a breeder and must follow the below-listed rules:
(1) 
Must obtain a breeder’s license from the city at a cost as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code;
(2) 
Must allow inspection of kennel(s), the back yard, or the living area of the animals two times per year;
(3) 
Must be able to display all shot records for all adult animals on the breeder’s property; and
(4) 
Must maintain a clean and healthy environment for all animals, as well as provide proper food and water for the animals.
(c) 
The requirements of this section are in addition to those found in state law, including but not limited to chapter 802 of the Texas Occupations Code, as amended.
(Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.07; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code; Ordinance 24-05 adopted 6/20/2024)
The chief of police, a police officer, a sheriff’s deputy, or the city enforcement agent shall be allowed, at their discretion, to:
(1) 
Destroy by an appropriate or available means an animal which poses an imminent danger to a person or to property when a real and apparent necessity exists for the destruction of such animal; or
(2) 
Impound an animal which is diseased or endangers the health or safety of persons or other animals.
(Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.08)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep within the corporate limits of the city any dog which has vicious propensities, or which has evidenced a disposition to attack human beings or domestic animals (unless as provided in subsections (c) through (j) of this section).
(b) 
Provided herein, the provisions of this section shall not apply to the keeping of a police dog which is under the supervision and control of a police officer pursuant to authorization by the chief of police.
(c) 
The owner of the vicious animal will be allowed 15 days from the date of citation in which to provide a secure enclosure for the animal. The enclosure must be approved by the city enforcement agent and/or the chief of police for the city. The owner must provide liability insurance and proof thereof in the amount of $100,000.00 on the animal. The insurance must be maintained for the life of the animal. All vaccinations required by law must be kept current, providing proof thereof.
(d) 
The owner of the vicious animal must register the animal as a dangerous animal with the department of animal services for the life of the animal. In the event that the animal is moved to a different location, the owner has five business days in which to notify the department of animal services.
(e) 
(1) 
If a person reports an incident charging that the animal is a dangerous dog as defined in section 3.01.001, the city enforcement agent or the chief of police may investigate the incident. If, after receiving the sworn statements of any witnesses, the city enforcement agent or the chief of police determines the dog is a dangerous dog, it shall notify the owner of that fact. At the discretion of the city enforcement agent or the chief of police, the animal may be impounded immediately.
(2) 
The owner, not later than the 15th day after the date the owner is notified that a dog owned by the owner is a dangerous dog, may appeal the determination of the city enforcement agent or the chief of police to a justice, county, or municipal court of competent jurisdiction. An owner may appeal the decision of the justice, county, or municipal court in the same manner as appeal for other cases from the justice, county, or municipal court.
(f) 
The owner of said vicious animal must advise anyone who purchases the animal or who is given the animal that the animal is dangerous and that the new owner must follow all rules which are included in this notice.
(g) 
In the event that the vicious animal escapes from the enclosure and/or bites and/or attacks any person or animal, it is the responsibility of the owner of the animal to immediately notify the animal control department of the city.
(h) 
Failure to follow any of the rules contained in this section will result in the forfeiture of the animal to the city’s animal service department at which time the animal will be destroyed. The owner is subject to a maximum fine in accordance with the general penalty provided in section 1.01.009 of this code and state law.
(i) 
The owner of said vicious animal shall allow the inspection, upon demand, of the animal, the enclosure and all records pertaining to the animal by a city enforcement agent.
(j) 
The owner of the vicious animal will register the animal annually with the city’s animal services department. The annual registration fee is as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code. A tag identifying the animal as a dangerous animal will be issued.
(k) 
Dangerous dogs, as defined in V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code, section 822.041, shall be regulated in accordance with the provisions of V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code, chapter 822, subchapter D, section 822.041 et seq.
(Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.10; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code)
It shall be unlawful for the owner or harborer of any female dog in heat to allow such a dog to run at large in the city, or keep or maintain such animal in a public place. The owner or harborer of any female dog in heat shall keep such dog in a firm enclosure to prevent other dogs from entering the enclosure and prevent such female dog from running at large, either off or on the premises of the owner or harborer.
(Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.11)
Any person who shall harbor or keep on his or her premises or in or about his or her premises or premises under his or her control any dog which, by loud or unusual barking or howling, causes the peace and quiet of the neighborhood or the occupants of the adjacent premises to be disturbed or reasonably be disturbed shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.12)
(a) 
Every dog, cat or ferret shall be vaccinated at the ages and intervals specified in state law. Five dollars ($5.00) shall be included in the price of the vaccination, and each vaccination certificate issued shall be transmitted to the city enforcement agent before the tenth day of the month following the month during which the vaccination occurred.
(b) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to own any dog, cat or ferret unless such dog, cat or ferret has been vaccinated against rabies and wears or, in the case of a cat or a ferret, the owner possesses, a current rabies vaccination tag as required.
(c) 
A dog, cat or ferret vaccinated in any other place prior to entry into the city may be registered in the city, provided that, at the time of registration, the owner of such dog, cat or ferret presents a vaccination certificate which has been signed by a veterinarian who is licensed to practice in that place or a veterinarian who is employed by a government agency in that place stating the owner's name and address and giving the dog's, cat's or ferret's description, the date of vaccination, type, and manufacturer's and serial numbers of the vaccine used. The vaccination must conform to the provisions of this section and the regulations promulgated hereunder.
(Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.13; Ordinance 24-05 adopted 6/20/2024)
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or cause to be kept, for any purpose whatever, any livestock within the city on property in a district which is zoned other than AG - agricultural under the zoning code.
(1967 Code, sec. 5-2; Ordinance 146 adopted –/–/–; Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.14; Ordinance 21-05 adopted 12/16/21)
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or cause to be kept, for any purpose whatever, any swine within the city on property in a district which is zoned other than AG - agricultural under the zoning code.
(1967 Code, sec. 5-3; Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/07; 1994 Code, sec. 90.15; Ordinance 21-05 adopted 12/16/21)
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, maintain, or keep bees or bee hives or any other facilities for the habitation of bees within the corporate limits of the city.
(1967 Code, sec. 5-10; Ordinance 307 adopted –/–/–; Ordinance 06-01 adopted 10/19/06; 1994 Code, sec. 90.16)
Dangerous wild animals, as defined in V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code, section 822.101, shall be regulated in accordance with the provisions of V.T.C.A, Health and Safety Code, chapter 822, subchapter E, section 822.101 et seq.
(Ordinance adopting 2021 Code)
(a) 
Required.
Every dog, cat or ferret four months of age or older shall be implanted with a registered microchip. Every newly acquired dog, cat or ferret that is four months of age or older and that is not already implanted with a registered microchip shall be implanted with a registered microchip within 30 days of ownership. Any new resident of the city who owns a dog, cat or ferret that is four months of age or older and is not already implanted with a registered microchip shall cause the animal to be implanted with a registered microchip within 30 days of moving to the city. It shall be unlawful for any person to own any dog, cat or ferret four months of age or older unless such dog, cat or ferret has been implanted with a registered microchip as required by this section.
(b) 
Exemption.
An animal is exempt from the registered microchip requirement if it is determined in writing by a veterinarian to be medically unsuitable for microchipping. If an animal is exempt from the registered microchip requirement, then the animal's owner shall provide the department of animal services with their name, address and telephone number. If there is a change in ownership of an animal that is exempt from the microchip requirement, the new owner shall provide the department with their name, address and telephone number within 30 days of the date of change in ownership.
(c) 
Change in ownership.
If there is a change in ownership of a microchipped animal, or if a microchipped animal is new to the city, the new owner shall be responsible for ensuring that the microchip is registered in their name and is no longer registered in the previous owner's name within 30 days of the date of change in ownership.
(d) 
Current microchip registration.
Every owner of a dog, cat or ferret must update their microchip registration information within 30 days of any change of such information.
(e) 
Defense.
It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the dog, cat or ferret is being fostered and has a microchip that is registered to the organization responsible for the animal.
(Ordinance 24-05 adopted 6/20/2024)