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State law reference—Dangerous dogs, Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.001 et seq.
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Dangerous dog.
Any dog:
(1) 
Which makes an unprovoked attack on a person or a domesticated animal that causes bodily injury and occurs in a place other than an enclosure in which the dog was being kept, and that was reasonably certain to prevent the dog from leaving the enclosure on its own;
(2) 
Which commits unprovoked acts in a place other than an enclosure in which the dog is being kept, and that was reasonably certain to prevent the dog from leaving the enclosure on its own, and those acts cause a person to reasonably believe that the dog will attack and cause bodily injury to a person or a domesticated animal; or
(3) 
Owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of dogfighting, or trained for dogfighting.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)
(a) 
No dog shall be deemed dangerous if the bite, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who at the time was committing a willful trespass upon the premises occupied by the owner or harborer of the dog or by a person who has tormented, cruelly treated, or abused the dog.
(b) 
No dog shall be deemed dangerous if the bite or injury to another animal occurred as a result of the other animal entering the enclosure where the animal lives.
(c) 
Dogs under control of the police department or other proper governmental agency are exempt from this division.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)
Any person violating any section of this division upon conviction shall be punished as provided in city ordinance section 1-14. An owner of an animal that without provocation bites or injures a person or animal shall be strictly liable for the harm caused by such animal.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)
Any person owning a dangerous dog must obtain a dangerous dog license annually. A written application for such license shall be made to the ASC and shall include the applicant's name and address, a description of the animal, proof of current rabies vaccination, and the payment of a fee set by the health district and approved by the city council, which shall be posted at the ASC. The license shall be valid for one year from the date the license is obtained.
(1) 
Before the license is issued, the owner must also comply with the following requirements:
a. 
Have the dog spayed/neutered or provide documentation from a veterinary clinic stating the dog is spayed/neutered;
b. 
Provide proof the dog has been implanted with a microchip;
c. 
The owner of a dangerous dog must be at least eighteen (18) years old; and
d. 
Not later than ten (10) days after a person learns that the person is the owner of a dangerous dog as defined in this division, the person shall obtain liability insurance coverage of at least $500,000.00 to cover damages resulting from an attack by the dangerous dog causing bodily injury to a person, and the person shall provide proof annually of the required liability insurance coverage to the ASC.
(2) 
If the owner is not the property owner where the dangerous dog is to be located, the owner must have written and notarized permission from the property owner to have a dangerous dog at that location.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)
If the ASC receives a complaint that a dog is dangerous and the complainant provides a sworn statement with particulars concerning the complaint, a thorough investigation shall be made. If it is determined by the health director or his/her designee that an animal is dangerous and presents a substantial danger to the public health, safety, and welfare of the community, the owner shall be notified that a dangerous dog determination has been made.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)
(a) 
The owner or harborer may voluntarily declare that a dog is dangerous and apply for a dangerous dog license, or the health director or his/her designee acting on information it has received may declare a dog dangerous after a thorough investigation.
(b) 
An animal declared dangerous due to a human or animal attack shall be impounded immediately, and its owner promptly notified.
(c) 
The owner of a dog declared to be dangerous shall have the right to file a written appeal of the determination as outlined by Texas Health and Safety Code, chapter 822, section D. If the determination of the health director is overturned, the impoundment and other fees shall be paid prior to release.
(d) 
A dangerous dog license shall be obtained no later than the 5th day after the person learns that they are an owner of a dangerous dog.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)
(a) 
Any dog determined to be dangerous by the health district may be humanely euthanized if:
(1) 
Written appeal pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code, chapter 822, section D is not made by the animal's owner within the allowed time period; or
(2) 
The owner of such animal fails or refuses to humanely euthanize the animal as requested by official notice or order of the court.
(b) 
Notice as required in this section is properly served when it is hand-delivered to the owner, caregiver, or possessor of the animal, or when it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the owner, caregiver, or possessor of the animal. A copy of the notice shall be filed in the records of the regulatory authority.
(c) 
It shall be unlawful to refuse to relinquish a dangerous animal for destruction within one (1) day of notification as provided in this section. Any person refusing to relinquish a dog declared dangerous will be subject to penalties for each day of refusal.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)
If the harborer, owner, or caretaker of a dog declared dangerous refuses to release such animal to the ACO, it shall be the duty of the ACO to obtain a seizure warrant for the seizure of the animal.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)
(a) 
It shall be the responsibility of the owner or harborer of a dangerous dog to securely confine such animal. A dangerous dog shall be confined in a covered enclosure with walls and/or fencing of at least six (6) feet in height and otherwise designed to prevent escape by the dog. The enclosure must be securely locked at all times and must be confined within a 6-foot property perimeter fence that is sturdy and in good repair.
(b) 
It shall be unlawful for a dangerous dog to be outside the dwelling of the owner or outside the enclosure unless it is necessary for the owner to obtain veterinary care for the dangerous dog or to comply with directions of the health district. In such event, the dangerous dog shall be securely restrained with a leather or nylon leash, muzzled, and shall be under direct control and supervision of the owner or harborer or humanely caged. Unless confined or restrained under conditions stated in this subsection, the dangerous dog shall be considered at-large and subject to immediate impoundment and immediate license revocation, as well as any other applicable penalties of this division.
(c) 
The owner of a dangerous dog must notify the LRCA at any time the dog will be leaving the property for any reason. The owner must also notify the LRCA when the animal is returned to their property. The owner must also notify their veterinarian of the dangerous dog determination prior to any veterinarian visit.
(d) 
A dog deemed dangerous shall not be allowed in public places such as a dog park, pet store, or other public areas where dogs are allowed.
(e) 
A dangerous dog may not be sold, given away, or change owners. In lieu of transfer of ownership of any type, the animal must be relinquished to the ASC or a veterinarian for humane euthanasia.
(f) 
If the owner changes addresses, they must notify the LRCA ten (10) days prior to the move so an inspection can be scheduled at the new address and the license transferred. Failure to comply will be grounds for revocation of the license.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)
The owner or harborer of a dangerous dog shall display a sign on the premises warning that there is a dangerous dog on the premises. The sign shall be visible and capable of being read from a public street, highway, or alleyway on any side of the property.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)
An inspection of the dangerous dog and the premises on which it resides shall be made twice a year and at any other time deemed necessary by the health district.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)
Failure of an owner to comply with any part of this chapter shall be cause for revocation of the dangerous dog license, and the ASC shall seek a seizure warrant for the removal and humane euthanasia of the animal.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)