The primary function and intent of this chapter is protection
of the health, safety and welfare of the people of the city by controlling
the dog or cat population and establishing uniform rules for the control
and eradication of rabies.
(Ordinance 394 adopted 2/11/2020; Ordinance 441 adopted 7/11/2023)
The person employed by or contracting with City of Onalaska,
Polk County Police Officer, or on duty animal control officer to enforce
these rules.
Any abrasion, scratch, puncture, tear or piercing of the
skin actually or suspected of being caused by an animal.
A certificate bearing the signature and license number of
a licensed veterinarian, rabies tag number, the name, color, and sex,
species, age, breed of a dog or cat, the name and address of the owner,
the date of the vaccination, the date serial number, producer and
type of vaccine administered.
A resident of Onalaska who owns or keeps a dog or cat to
breed the animal for the purpose of selling, trading, or bartering
any offspring.
A person who feeds, shelters, harbors, possesses, or has
the responsibility to control a dog or cat.
Any dog that has been deemed dangerous under the provision
of chapter 822, subchapter D Texas Health and Safety Code.
Any dog or cat (whether it has been vaccinated for rabies
or not) which has bitten, fighting with, or has consorted with any
dog or cat known or suspected to have rabies, or showing objective
symptoms of rabies.
A person that feeds, waters, or cares for a dog or cat for
a period of three (3) consecutive days.
The apprehending, catching, trapping, netting, tranquilization
or confining.
Any premises designated by Polk County or the City of Onalaska
for the purpose of impounding, destroying or caring for all dogs and
cats found in violation of this section.
Any individual, corporation, association or any other legal
entity, that harbors, shelters, keeps, controls, manages, possesses
or has part interest in any dog or cat. The occupant of any premises
on which a dog or cat remains for a period of three (3) days or to
which it customarily returns daily for a period of three (3) days
is presumed to be harboring, sheltering, or keeping the aforementioned
dog or cat, within this definition. Under no circumstances are the
normal and ordinarily accepted definitions of the terms harboring,
sheltering or keeping, being limited to the words of the aforementioned
presumption.
If a minor owns a dog or cat subject to the provisions of the
rules, an adult occupant of the household of which such minor is a
member, shall be deemed the owner or custodian of such dog or cat
for the purpose of these rules and under this order shall be responsible
as the owner or custodian. If not a member of a household, such minor
owner shall himself be directly subject to the provisions of these
rules.
Shall describe any dog or cat that:
Barks or makes noise continuously for at least ten (10) minutes.
Soils, defiles or defecates on a public walk, city or private
recreation area, or any land or property owned by someone other the
owner of the dog or cat the does not remove such waste within ten
(10) minutes of any soiling, defiling or defecation; or
Chases or pursues pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles.
Any dog or cat that is registered with an Onalaska, Texas,
licenses.
The control of a dog or cat under the following circumstances:
When it is controlled by a lead, line or leash that is secured
to a secure object or held by a human being who is capable of controlling
or governing the dog or cat in question.
When it is within a fully enclosed vehicle.
When it is on the premises of the owner and/or custodian provided
that said dog or cat does not have access to a sidewalk or street.
A building where people regularly assemble for the purpose
of instruction, education, or care, including playgrounds, dormitories,
stadiums, and other structures or grounds used in conjunction therein.
Any dog or cat running free without restraint and that is
off the property of the owner or custodian of such dog or cat.
With respect to an attack by a dog means that the dog was
not hit, kicked, or struck by a person with any object or part of
a person's body nor was any part of the dog's body pulled,
pinched or squeezed by a person.
(Ordinance 394 adopted 2/11/2020; Ordinance 441 adopted 7/11/2023)
