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) 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)