(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or harbor any dangerous dog within the city limits without complying with all requirements of the Texas Health and Safety Code, section 822.042, as amended. In addition, the owner must comply with each of the following local requirements, at the owner’s expense, before the animal is released from the animal control facility:
(1)
Obtain liability insurance coverage or show financial responsibility in an amount of at least two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00) to cover damages resulting from an attack by the dangerous animal causing bodily injury to a person or for damages to any person’s property resulting from the keeping of such dangerous animal. A certificate of insurance or other evidence of meeting the above requirements shall be filed with the police department. The policy must require the company to give advance notice to the city of cancellation or nonrenewal of the policy;
(2)
Register with the city by providing the name and address of the owner; the breed, age, sex, color and any other identifying marks of the animal; the location where the animal is to be kept if it is not at the address of the owner; and two (2) color photographs that clearly identify the dangerous animal;
(3)
Have the animal sterilized;
(4)
Construct a cage, pen or enclosure for the dangerous animal that has secure sides; a secure top attached to the sides; and a secure bottom which is either attached to the sides or else the sides of the structure must be embedded in the ground no less than two (2) feet. The pen or enclosure must be completely encircled by a fence constructed in such a manner as to prevent a person or child from being able to reach the animal’s pen or enclosure;
(5)
Not allow the animal to go outside of its cage, pen or enclosure unless the animal is under physical restraint. No person shall permit a dangerous animal to be kept outside of its cage, pen or enclosure on a chain, rope or other type of leash unless a person is in physical control of the chain, rope or leash and the person is of competent strength to control the animal at all times. Dangerous animals shall not be leashed to inanimate objects, such as trees, posts, buildings, etc. All dangerous animals outside their cage, pen or enclosure must be securely fitted with a muzzle that will not cause injury to the animal nor interfere with its vision or respiration but shall prevent the animal from biting other animals or human beings;
(6)
Post signs giving notice of a dangerous animal on the premises in which such animal is confined. Such signs shall be conspicuously posted at both the front and rear property entrances and shall bear letters not less than two (2) inches high, stating “DANGEROUS ANIMAL ON PREMISES.” Such signs shall also display a symbol that is understandable by small children that warns of the presence of a dangerous animal;
(7)
Pay the appropriate dangerous animal permit fee annually, not later than five (5) business days prior to the annual expiration renewal date;
(8)
Pay the impoundment and daily care fees accrued during the investigation and any appeal of the dangerous animal determination process; and
(9)
Present proof of current vaccination.
(b)
In the event the owner or keeper fails or refuses to timely comply with these requirements in accordance with state law, then the animal control officer shall humanely destroy the dangerous animal.
(Ordinance 07-03-01, sec. VII, adopted 3/5/07)