As used in this chapter, the following terms shall be construed to have the following meanings:
Animal.
Animals allowed within the recreational area or on members’ subleased lots shall include dogs, cats and every other animal used as a pet. It specifically does not include horses, cattle, other domestic animals, or naturally wild animals.
Kennel.
Any place where four or more dogs over the age of twelve (12) weeks, or nine or more dogs under the age of twelve weeks, are raised, trained, boarded, harbored or kept.
(2007 Code, sec. 4-1; Ordinance adopting Code; Ordinance 2014-1 adopted 3/11/14)
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be fined as provided in section 1.01.009 of this code.
(2007 Code, sec. 4-6)
The chief of police will be the animal control officer.
(2007 Code, sec. 4-3(B)(7))
All animals in the control of the village and/or the county animal control department will be handled following the laws of the state. Specifically, Texas Health and Safety Code title 10 will be adhered to.
(2007 Code, sec. 4-3(A), (B)(6))
All animals shall be vaccinated annually against rabies and shall wear a collar with a current rabies tag attached. This tag shall also include the name and phone number of the pet’s owner.
(2007 Code, sec. 4-2)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to allow a dog to run in the village at large. Dogs are to be kept behind fences or in pens or in control on the owner’s property and are not allowed to roam. Dogs are not to be on the streets, parks or playgrounds (any public property) unless they are on a leash or under voice control by a person.
(b) 
Dogs can be picked up by animal control, village officials, or the county sheriff’s department from the filed complaint of a resident at the owner’s expense and the owner will be fined for failure to contain his/her animal. Uncontrolled and/or dangerous animals can be removed from the village.
(2007 Code, sec. 4-3)
(a) 
Definition.
Any dog shall be deemed dangerous upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
(1) 
An unprovoked attack on a person or a pet causing bodily injury by a dog outside a secure enclosure in which the animal is kept.
(2) 
An unprovoked act of aggression by a dog outside a secure enclosure which causes a person to reasonably believe the dog will attack and cause bodily injury.
(3) 
Certification by a doctor of veterinary medicine that a dog poses a danger to human life, animal life or property based on a reasonable medical probability after observation.
(b) 
Procedures and requirements.
(1) 
Compliance with state law.
As a public safety requirement, it shall be unlawful for any person to keep or harbor any dangerous dog(s) within the village limits without complying with the Texas Health and Safety Code, sections 822.041–.047 (Vernon’s Supp. 1991).
(2) 
Complaints.
When a person reports a dangerous dog to the police office, the officer or county sheriff’s officers shall investigate the complaint and notify the owner of the report.
(3) 
Notice.
After a complaint has been filed and an investigation duration has been completed, the village police will notify the animal’s owner by certified mail, return receipt requested, that the municipal court will hear the complaint at the next scheduled meeting.
(4) 
Hearing.
The municipal court shall then hear the complaint and the dog owner’s defense, if any. After hearing the facts, the municipal court shall determine whether the animal is considered a dangerous dog. When the dog is determined to be dangerous, then the animal’s owner shall comply with state law requirements concerning dangerous dogs.
(5) 
Penalty.
A violation of any provision of this section shall constitute an offense punishable by a fine not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000.00). Each day a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense after the time limit prescribed by sections 822.041–822.047 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
(2007 Code, sec. 4-3A, B(1)-(5); Ordinance 2016-2 adopted 1/11/16)
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 Code)
Excessive barking, biting, packing [sic] and trespassing on the property of others are considered nuisances and are in violation of this chapter.
(2007 Code, sec. 4-4)
Operation of any kennel, as defined in section 2.01.001, is unlawful.
(2007 Code, sec. 4-5)
It is unlawful for any household to own or keep more than three (3) dogs or three (3) cats or a combination of three (3) dogs and cats upon any private premises within the village limits subject to the following exceptions: a veterinary clinic, an animal hospital or similar facility; an animal shelter; a groomer; a breeder; a pet shop; a research institution; a qualified researcher; a performing animal exhibition; or a litter up to 12 weeks old.
(Ordinance adopting Code)