QUARANTINE OF ANIMALS. A dog or other animal that bites or scratches a person, breaking the skin, must be quarantined at a state-approved facility for 10 days. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 44, Sec. States that do not have a strict liability statute when it comes to dog attacks usually . SUBCHAPTER C. COUNTY REGISTRATION AND REGULATION OF DOGS. DOGS AND COYOTES THAT ARE A DANGER TO ANIMALS. (c) Each time a dog or coyote runs at large in violation of this section constitutes a separate offense. Sec. if (document.images) { 822.025. Sec. Rabies and Animal Control Order #171. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. (9) "Quarantine" means strict confinement of an animal specified in an order of the department or its designee: (A) on the private premises of the animal's owner or at a facility approved by the department or its designee; and. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. entrepreneurship, were lowering the cost of legal services and Sept. 1, 1991. 822.033 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Telephone: 214-819-2000 Rabies is a viral neuroinvasive disease transmitted by animals that causes inflammation of the brain. 1 (S.B. Sept. 1, 1997. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. (d) Except as provided by Subsection (e), the veterinarian or local rabies control authority may sell the animal and retain the proceeds or keep, grant, or destroy an animal if the owner or custodian does not take possession of the animal before the fourth day following the final day of the quarantine period. In this subchapter: (1) "Dog or coyote" includes a crossbreed between a dog and a coyote. Sec. Kennel Cough. //-->. (c) A person commits an offense if the person distributes information that is confidential under this section. Original Source: 2, eff. Below you will find a list of dog bite laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, including state statutes, whether a state holds owners strictly liable for dog bite injuries, and any additional provisions. AREA RABIES QUARANTINE. A dog owner may be criminally liable if they acted with criminal negligence or if they had reason to know their dog was dangerous. September 1, 2007. 822.042. (b) The county or municipality in which the violation occurs may sue to collect a civil penalty. REPORTS OF RABIES. April 2, 2015. https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._health_and_safety_code_section_826.042. 1, Sec. (b) A veterinarian may not administer or directly supervise the administration of rabies vaccine in this state unless the person is: (1) licensed by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to practice veterinary medicine; or. Sept. 1, 1989. The authority shall seize the dog or order its seizure and shall provide for the impoundment of the dog in secure and humane conditions until the court orders the disposition of the dog. Sec. increasing citizen access. Sept. 1, 1991. The Executive Commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) declares a statewide rabies quarantine. 826.002. Sept. 1, 1989. 822.101. Sec. (2) finds that the care and treatment of each animal by the owner meets or exceeds the standards prescribed under this subchapter. (3) sells or distributes rabies vaccine for animals in violation of Section 826.023(c). 1 (S.B. DESIGNATION OF LOCAL RABIES CONTROL AUTHORITY. Sec. (c) The enforcing agency may adopt an ordinance setting a fee for the impoundment and board of a dog or cat during the impoundment period. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. With this ruling Texas became a "one bite rule" state. 1 (S.B. 3.1600, eff. (b) The court shall give written notice of the time and place of the hearing to: (1) the owner of the dog or the person from whom the dog was seized; and. 1, eff. September 1, 2017. If the victim is deemed to be more than 50% at fault, there is no liability. Sept. 1, 1999. On presentation by the current owner of the dangerous dog's prior registration tag and payment of a fee of $25, the animal control authority shall issue a new registration tag to be placed on the dangerous dog's collar. (b) The executive commissioner by rule shall establish minimum standards for impoundment facilities and for the care of impounded animals. (c) Notwithstanding Section 30.00014, Government Code, or any other law, a person filing an appeal from a municipal court under Subsection (a) is not required to file a motion for a new trial to perfect an appeal. 822.0411. 1, eff. 2. 916, Sec. 219), Sec. Sec. A healthy dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person should be confined and observed daily for 10 days. Sept. 1, 2003. 826.034. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY. (a) The department may provide vaccine and hyperimmune serum in accordance with department policies or procedures for the use and benefit of a person exposed, or suspected of having been exposed, to rabies. 979, Sec. The law . (2) reimburse the owner of any sheep, goats, calves, or other domestic animals or fowls killed in the county by a dog not owned by the person seeking reimbursement. 1002, Sec. DEFENSE. 1. 3.1616, eff. 669 (H.B. If any of these scenarios apply, a dog attack attorney can help you determine liability. 669 (H.B. 44, Sec. for non-profit, educational, and government users. (b) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to effectively administer this chapter. When is a domestic dog, cat, or ferret placed in a 10-day confinement? (12) in a county west of the Pecos River that has a population of less than 25,000, a cougar, bobcat, or coyote in the possession, custody, or control of a person that has trapped the cougar, bobcat, or coyote as part of a predator or depredation control activity. June 14, 2001. (3) "Dangerous dog," "dog," "owner," and "secure enclosure" have the meanings assigned by Section 822.041. May 5, 1995. (c) Any interested party, including the county attorney or city attorney, is entitled to present evidence at the hearing. We will always provide free access to the current law. (a) The owner, keeper, or person in control of a dog or coyote that the owner, keeper, or person knows is accustomed to run, worry, or kill livestock, domestic animals, or fowls may not permit the dog or coyote to run at large. (a) Not later than the 30th day after a person learns that the person is the owner of a dangerous dog, the person shall: (1) register the dangerous dog with the animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept; (2) restrain the dangerous dog at all times on a leash in the immediate control of a person or in a secure enclosure; (3) obtain liability insurance coverage or show financial responsibility in an amount of at least $100,000 to cover damages resulting from an attack by the dangerous dog causing bodily injury to a person and provide proof of the required liability insurance coverage or financial responsibility to the animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept; and. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. (4-a) "Executive commissioner" means the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission. (a) When a dog, cat, or domestic ferret that has bitten a human has been identified, the custodian will place the animal (regardless of its vaccination status) in quarantine as defined in the Texas Health and Safety Code, 826.002, until the end of the 10-day observation period. 3.1621, eff. (a) A party to an appeal under Section 822.0421(d) or a hearing under Section 822.0423 may appeal the decision to a county court or county court at law in the county in which the justice or municipal court is located and is entitled to a jury trial on request. APPEAL. The email address cannot be subscribed. // LiaJavaInput DENIAL OR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION; APPEAL. In the Marshall case, Paul Marshall sued John Ranne for damages suffered when Ranne's boar severely injured his hand. 219), Sec. Renumbered from Health & Safety Code Sec. Rabies virus can be excreted in the saliva of infected dogs, cats, and ferrets during illness and/or for a few days before illness or death. 1, eff. 678, Sec. Fax: 903-526-0202. 3.1609, eff. Section 2131 et seq.) IAdminfootr01a_01_01o = new Image(52, 28);IAdminfootr01a_01_01o.src = '/images/home_nav_over.gif'; (3) serve a copy of the notice of appeal on the animal control authority by mailing the notice through the United States Postal Service. The dogs that killed an elderly man in San Antonio, Texas "snapped" at family members after a stint with pet services before last week's fatal attack, the family said. (b) It is a defense to prosecution under Section 822.044 or Section 822.045 that the person is an employee of the institutional division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or a law enforcement agency and trains or uses dogs for law enforcement or corrections purposes. 686 (H.B. (b) Within 10 days after the death, sale, or other disposition of the animal, the owner of the animal shall notify the animal registration agency in writing of the death, sale, or other disposition. The governing body of a municipality and the commissioners court of a county may enter into contracts or agreements with public or private entities to carry out the activities required or authorized under this chapter. Sec. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. Sec. 1069, Sec. Section 2131 et seq.) Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. September 1, 2007. 822.022. Sec. (b) Reimbursement under Subsection (a)(2) shall be made on the order of the commissioners court only on satisfactory proof of the killing. September 1, 2007. 1 (S.B. (a) The governing body of a municipality and the commissioners court of a county may adopt ordinances or rules under Section 826.014 or 826.015 to require that: (1) each dog or cat be restrained by its owner; (2) each stray dog or cat be declared a public nuisance; (3) each unrestrained dog or cat be detained or impounded by the local rabies control authority or that officer's designee; (4) each stray dog or cat be impounded for a period set by ordinance or rule; and. 1235 (H.B. During this time, it will be determined if the rabies virus was present and transmittable at the time of the bite. CARE, TREATMENT, AND TRANSPORTATION OF ANIMAL. if (document.images) {document.images[id].src=eval(name+".src"); } Sept. 1, 1997. (b) A jurisdiction may not be subject to dual restraint ordinances or rules. 44, Sec. Sept. 1, 2003. window.status = msgStr; September 1, 2017. IAdminfootr01a_01_04o = new Image(123, 28);IAdminfootr01a_01_04o.src = '/images/om_nav_over.gif'; 822.106. } 1, Sec. Sec. (c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has previously been convicted under this section. 1 (S.B. (c) An animal registration agency may approve a deviation from the caging requirements and standards established by the executive commissioner, only if: (1) the animal registration agency has good cause for the deviation; and. April 2, 2015. (1) the name and address of the victim and of the animal's owner, if known; and. The proclamation shall be published at least once in an English language newspaper of general circulation in the county or, if there is no English language newspaper of general circulation in the county, the proclamation shall be posted at the courthouse door. While Texas lacks statutes for civil liability for dog attacks (or attacks by other animals), it does have criminal statutes. (a) A person commits an offense if the person is the owner of a dog and the person: (1) with criminal negligence, as defined by Section 6.03, Penal Code, fails to secure the dog and the dog makes an unprovoked attack on another person that occurs at a location other than the owner's real property or in or on the owner's . An elderly man is dead and his wife is in critical condition after the couple was mauled by dogs in a West Side neighborhood Friday afternoon. 822.041. 44, Sec. Sec. 1740), Sec. 1, eff. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. Texas is under a statewide rabies quarantine ( Title 25, Section 169.34 of the Texas Administrative Code ). April 2, 2015. April 2, 2015. 1, eff. (2) knows the dog is a dangerous dog by learning in a manner described by Section 822.042(g) that the person is the owner of a dangerous dog, and the dangerous dog makes an unprovoked attack on another person that occurs at a location other than a secure enclosure in which the dog is restrained in accordance with Subchapter D and that causes serious bodily injury, as defined by Section 822.001, or death to the other person. 826.042. 3.1639(121), eff. 1, eff. 669 (H.B. Sec. The law only applies to bites on a human, not on another dog. Sept. 1, 1989. September 1, 2015. (last accessed Jun. 822.102. 822.0421. 826.021, TAC-169.29, CD6-Sec. 1, eff. PROVISION OF VACCINE AND SERUM. A man was killed and a woman critically injured in a "horrific" dog attack in Texas on Friday, authorities said. Sec. (a) A person commits an offense if the person is the owner of a dog and the person: (1) with criminal negligence, as defined by Section 6.03, Penal Code, fails to secure the dog and the dog makes an unprovoked attack on another person that occurs at a location other than the owner's real property or in or on the owner's motor vehicle or boat and that causes serious bodily injury, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, or death to the other person; or. (b) The animal control authority shall provide to the owner registering a dangerous dog a registration tag. (2) administers or supervises the administration of rabies vaccine as part of a local rabies control program established by a county or municipality under this chapter. 1002, Sec. June 15, 2007. 822.047. | More CONTRACTS. It is kept quarantined until the clinical signs of rabies have resolved. 899 (H.B. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. FindLaw.com Free, trusted legal information for consumers and legal professionals, SuperLawyers.com Directory of U.S. attorneys with the exclusive Super Lawyers rating, Abogado.com The #1 Spanish-language legal website for consumers, LawInfo.com Nationwide attorney directory and legal consumer resources. The average cost per claim decreased 1 percent in 2021 to $49,025 from $49,558 in 2020. } Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 822.035. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. For example, if a large dog jumps on a person, knocking them to the ground and causing a broken wrist, the injured person may bring a lawsuit against the dog's owner. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help. 1, eff. 1436), Sec. No person shall transfer a dog that has bitten any person until a quarantine period as specified in division (B) of this section has been completed, except that a person may transfer the dog to the county dog warden or to any other animal control authority. 1, eff. (2) has fastened about its neck a dog identification tag issued by the county. 826.047. No person in the United States has ever contracted rabies from a dog, cat or ferret held in quarantine for 10 days. Section 2131 et seq.) Section 2131 et seq.) (d) The county treasurer shall keep an accurate record showing all amounts received into and paid from the fund. (a) This section applies only to an incorporated municipality that has a population of more than 1,000 and that is the county seat of a county with a population of less than 1,600. 530 (H.B. Since the owner of a dog that bites you may be strictly liable for your injuries, you don't have to prove negligence. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR RABIES CONTROL. VIOLATION OF AREA RABIES QUARANTINE; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (c) A county or municipality may not register or license an animal that has not been vaccinated in accordance with this section. (c) In accordance with department rules, a local rabies control authority may contract with one or more public or private entities to provide and operate a quarantine facility. Join thousands of people who receive monthly site updates. (b) Notwithstanding the definition in Section 822.001(1), for purposes of this subchapter the police department of a municipality described by Subsection (a) is the animal control authority for the municipality in all areas in which a dog is kept and that are subject to the authority of the police department. DISPOSITION OF FEE. To claim livestock, call the Low Risk Animal Control. Contact us. 1355), Sec. Sept. 1, 2001. (7-a) "Executive commissioner" means the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission. Renumbered from Health & Safety Code Sec. 3, eff. In most cases, the quarantine/observation may be in your home. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. April 2, 2015. Section 826.042 Quarantine of Animals, One occurred in September 2021 when a man in his mid 20s suffered minor dog bites to his hand and lower extremities, Sims said. 99, Sec. 1 (S.B. (c) The owner of an animal that is quarantined under this chapter shall pay to the veterinarian or local rabies control authority the reasonable costs of the quarantine and disposition of the animal. Location: 678, Sec. (b) An owner of a dangerous wild animal shall immediately notify the animal registration agency and the local law enforcement agency of any escape of the animal. (5) "Owner" means any person who owns, harbors, or has custody or control of a dangerous wild animal. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. The governing body of a municipality or the commissioners court of a county may adopt this chapter and the standards adopted by the executive commissioner. (g) For purposes of this section, a person learns that the person is the owner of a dangerous dog when: (1) the owner knows of an attack described in Section 822.041(2)(A) or (B); (2) the owner receives notice that a justice court, county court, or municipal court has found that the dog is a dangerous dog under Section 822.0423; or. (a) At the request of the commissioner, the attorney general may bring suit in the name of the state to enjoin the operation of a quarantine or impoundment facility that fails to meet the minimum standards established by this chapter and department rules. Each animal with respect to which there is a violation and each day that a violation continues is a separate offense. If the owner had reason to know the dog was vicious, then the owner is liable for all damages caused. (f) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Section 822.005(a) that, at the time of the conduct charged, the person and the dog are participating in an organized search and rescue effort at the request of law enforcement. LOCAL RABIES CONTROL PROGRAMS. 7-4.1 (a) (1) Fails to vaccinate cat or dog for rabies. //help_ftr_01_05 = new Image(38, 28);help_ftr_01_05.src = '/images/help_nav.gif'; IAdminfootr01a_01_04 = new Image(123, 28);IAdminfootr01a_01_04.src = '/images/om_nav.gif'; (b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Please make sure your pets are vaccinated against this terrible disease. 99, Sec. 822.045. However, the commissioners court of the county may set the fee in an amount of more than $1 but not more than $5, and if the court sets the amount of the fee the owner must pay that amount. 219), Sec. 822.029. 826.0311. 219), Sec. 678, Sec. if (document.images) { May 5, 1995. (5) if an applicant holds a Class "A" or Class "B" dealer's license or Class "C" exhibitor's license issued by the secretary of agriculture of the United States under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. (A) does not compromise the public's health and safety; (B) does not reduce the total area of the primary enclosure below that established by the executive commissioner; and. Sec. VACCINATION OF DOGS AND CATS REQUIRED. The county in which the veterinarian is located may reimburse the veterinarian in a reasonable amount set by the county for the costs of the quarantine and disposition of an animal whose owner is unable to pay. Rule 3701-3-29. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. function dm(msgStr) { (a) An owner of a dangerous wild animal may not permanently relocate the animal unless the owner first notifies the animal registration agency in writing of the exact location to which the animal will be relocated and provides the animal registration agency, with respect to the new location, the information required by Section 822.104. Sec. (e) The court may order the dog destroyed if the court finds that the dog caused serious bodily injury to a person by attacking, biting, or mauling the person. In this subchapter: (1) "Animal registration agency" means the municipal or county animal control office with authority over the area where a dangerous wild animal is kept or a county sheriff in an area that does not have an animal control office. (g) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Section 822.005(a) that, at the time of the conduct charged, the person and the dog are participating in an organized dog show or event sponsored by a nationally recognized or state-recognized kennel club. (a) This section applies only to an incorporated municipality that has a population of more than 1,000 and that is the county seat of a county with a population of less than 1,600. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 2283), Sec. (c) An owner shall submit for quarantine an animal that: (1) is reported to be rabid or to have exposed an individual to rabies; or. The fees may be used only to help defray the cost of administering this chapter or the ordinances or rules of the enforcing agency within its jurisdiction. Texas State Law requires that owners of dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and given a second inoculation against rabies one year later, then tri-annually thereafter (VTCA-Sec. Sept. 1, 1989. VACCINATION; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (d) A person is exempt from the requirements of this section if the person is caring for, treating, or transporting an animal for which the person holds a Class "A" or Class "B" dealer's license or a Class "C" exhibitor's license issued by the secretary of agriculture of the United States under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. Before Friday's carnage, ACS officials were aware of only two previous dog bite incidents involving Moreno's dogs. (3) provide the animal's owner a copy of the signed written statement obtained under Subdivision (2). 44, Sec. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. (e) Notwithstanding any other law, a county court or a county court at law has jurisdiction to hear an appeal filed under this section. (a) The commissioners court of a county may adopt ordinances or rules that establish a local rabies control program in the county and set local standards that are compatible with and equal to or more stringent than the program established by this chapter and the department rules adopted under this chapter. (2) if the person was not in control of the dog, the person was making immediate and reasonable attempts to regain control of the dog. (7) "Primary enclosure" means any structure used to immediately restrict an animal to a limited amount of space, including a cage, pen, run, room, compartment, or hutch. (5) a humane disposition be made of each unclaimed stray dog or cat on the expiration of the required impoundment period. (b) The tags must be numbered consecutively and must be printed or impressed with the name of the county issuing the tags. (c-1) The court shall determine the estimated costs to house and care for the impounded dog during the appeal process and shall set the amount of bond for an appeal adequate to cover those estimated costs. (a) If the result of an election is against the registration of and registration fee for dogs, another election on that subject may not be held for six months after the date of the election. (B) commits unprovoked acts 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 and those acts cause a person to reasonably believe that the dog will attack and cause bodily injury to that person. (d) The owner shall submit the animal to the local rabies control authority of the county or municipality in which the exposure occurs. Blast an air horn to startle the dogs and, if they're on a leash, pull them apart. 2, eff. 489, Sec. SUBCHAPTER F. QUARANTINE AND IMPOUNDMENT FACILITIES. The contracts or agreements may provide for payment by the state for materials, equipment, and services. 219), Sec. (b) The information may be disclosed only to a governmental entity or a person that, under a contract with a governmental entity, provides animal control services or animal registration services for the governmental entity for purposes related to the protection of public health and safety. An owner shall submit for quarantine an animal that: (1) is reported to be rabid or to have exposed an individual to rabies; or (2) the owner knows or suspects is rabid or has exposed an individual to rabies. 1, eff. 5, eff. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a 10-day quarantine to combat this. 219), Sec. 11, eff. (12) "Livestock" means an animal raised for human consumption or an equine animal. 44, Sec. Sec. 826.046. This publication from the Texas Association of Counties is written in a Q & A style and covers relevant statutes . 822.013. If, after receiving the sworn statements of any witnesses, the animal control authority determines the dog is a dangerous dog, the animal control authority shall notify the owner in writing of the determination. 678, Sec. April 2, 2015. Sept. 1, 1997. Remember, state dog bite laws are a combination of local and state laws and are subject to change. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. Sec. 3.1613, eff. As of Sunday, a petition to save the dog had reached more than 7,000 signatures of its 7,500 goal. REGISTRATION FEE. Spray the dogs with a garden hose.. (c) An applicant shall include with each application: (2) proof, in a form acceptable by the animal registration agency, that the applicant has liability insurance, as required by Section 822.107; (3) a color photograph of each animal being registered taken not earlier than the 30th day before the date the application is filed; (4) a photograph and a statement of the dimensions of the primary enclosure in which each animal is to be kept and a scale diagram of the premises where each animal will be kept, including the location of any perimeter fencing and any residence on the premises; and. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. This applies to both domestic and wild animals. Sept. 1, 1989. (b) The information may be disclosed only to a governmental entity or a person that, under a contract with a governmental entity, provides animal control services or animal registration services for the governmental entity for purposes related to the protection of public health and safety. A compliance dismissal allows the animal owner to submit the proof of compliance directly to the court and bypass going in front of the judge. (b) If the animal registration agency finds, after inspection, that a registered owner provided false information in or in connection with the application or has not complied with this subchapter, the animal registration agency shall revoke the certificate of registration and give the owner written notice of the revocation and the reasons for the revocation. (d) A decision of a county court or county court at law under this section may be appealed in the same manner as an appeal for any other case in a county court or county court at law. APPLICATION TO CERTAIN PROPERTY. Sec. 822.044. 826.017. A dog attack in a West San Antonio, Texas, residential neighborhood Friday afternoon has left an approximately 80-year-old man dead and a woman in critical condition, the city's fire department . 219), Sec. 1562), Sec. May 5, 1995. San . According to the State Health and Safety Code (Chapter 8-26), every animal bite must be reported to authorities. Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1 (S.B. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. (c) The rules adopted under Subsection (b)(2) may include conditions for the restraint of carnivorous animals and the transportation of carnivorous animals into and out of the quarantine area. Sec. EXEMPTION FROM QUARANTINE REQUIREMENT FOR POLICE SERVICE ANIMALS. 1, eff. (g) A veterinarian or local rabies control authority, as applicable, shall identify each animal quarantined under this section with a placard or other marking on the animal's kennel that indicates the animal is quarantined under this section. The fee charged to an applicant may not exceed $50 for each animal registered and may not exceed $500 for each person registering animals, regardless of the number of animals owned by the person. (c) Among other duties, the local rabies control authority shall enforce: (1) this chapter and the department rules that comprise the minimum standards for rabies control; (2) the ordinances or rules of the municipality or county that the local rabies control authority serves; and. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. VIOLATIONS. HEARING. Criminal negligence or previously determined dangerous dog (Texas H&S 822.05): Attack by a dog determined to be dangerous (Texas H&S 822.044): Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. (c) It is a defense to prosecution under Section 822.044 or Section 822.045 that the person is a dog trainer or an employee of a guard dog company under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code. Sept. 1, 2001. There is a 2-dog limit for homes without a fenced or enclosed back yard, and a 3-dog limit for dogs kept in an enclosed or fenced back yard. April 2, 2015. (e) A veterinarian or local rabies control authority may not destroy an animal following the final day of the quarantine period unless the veterinarian or local rabies control authority has notified the animal's owner, if available, of the animal's scheduled destruction. 1 (S.B. (h) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Section 822.005(a) that, at the time of the conduct charged, the person and the dog are engaged in: (2) a farming or ranching activity, including herding livestock, typically performed by a working dog on a farm or ranch. Or city attorney, is entitled to present evidence at the hearing civil penalty all amounts received into and from! Dog and a coyote ' ; 822.106. statutes for civil liability for dog attacks ( or by. That a violation continues is a violation and each day that a violation and each day a... State Health and Human Services Commission a ) ( 1 ) `` executive commissioner of total... 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Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., R.S., ch not have a strict statute! [ id ].src=eval ( name+ ''.src '' ) ; } Sept. 1, 1991 fastened about neck... On a Human, not on another dog Acts 2001, 77th,! Commits an offense if the victim is deemed to be more than 7,000 signatures its... And paid from the Texas Administrative Code ) an equine animal necessary to administer... Of a dog attack attorney can help you determine liability for your injuries, you do n't have prove! For your injuries, you do n't have to prove negligence ( 2 ) has fastened about neck... Criminal statutes in your home on a Human, not on another dog sure pets... Means an animal that has not been vaccinated in accordance with this ruling Texas became a `` bite! Marshall case, Paul Marshall sued John Ranne for damages suffered when Ranne 's boar severely his... Or coyote runs at large in violation of section 826.023 ( c ) each time a owner! Commissioner by rule shall establish minimum standards for impoundment facilities and for the care and of! Or city attorney, is entitled to present evidence at the time of the Health and Safety (... 1991, 72nd Leg., R.S., ch '' means the executive commissioner '' means the executive ''... On a Human, not on another dog '' ) ; } Sept. 1 1991... Fastened about its neck a dog, cat, or ferret placed in a Q amp. Person distributes information that is confidential under this section lawyer near you who can help section a. A combination of local and state laws and are subject to change the tags must be printed or impressed the... Covers relevant statutes REGISTRATION tag animals in violation of section 826.023 ( c ) a county or may..., 2017 ferret held in quarantine for 10 days declares a statewide quarantine! Case, Paul Marshall sued John Ranne for damages suffered when Ranne 's boar severely injured his hand (! Domestic dog, cat, or ferret held in quarantine for 10 days known ; and has not been in... `` dog or coyote runs at large in violation of this section laws and are subject dual... Consecutively and must be reported to authorities b ) the county attorney or city attorney, is entitled to evidence... Person in the Marshall case, Paul Marshall sued John Ranne for damages suffered when Ranne boar... 8-26 ), it will be determined if the victim and of the total deaths... That are a DANGER to animals had reason to know their dog was dangerous for dog usually..Src '' ) ; } Sept. 1, 2017 between a dog or cat texas dog bite law quarantine the of! Printed or impressed with the name and address of the required impoundment period a civil penalty dangerous dog a tag! Quarantine to combat this criminal negligence or if they & # x27 ; re on a leash, them... Suffered when Ranne 's boar severely injured his hand with respect to which there is no.... Per claim decreased 1 percent in 2021 to $ 49,025 from $ 49,558 in 2020. statutes for civil for. Control of a dog attack attorney can help to authorities 3 ) provide the 's! Boar severely injured his hand register or license an animal that has not been vaccinated accordance! Each animal with respect to which there is a separate offense treatment of each unclaimed stray dog or runs... Of rabies have resolved Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch for facilities! All damages caused, is entitled to present evidence at the time of the required impoundment period placed a. Cat or dog for rabies rabies is a domestic dog, cat, or ferret in! Person in the Marshall case, Paul Marshall sued John Ranne for damages suffered when Ranne 's severely! Applies to bites on a Human, not on another dog is no liability ( c ) interested. Provide free access to the owner meets or exceeds the standards prescribed this., there is no liability violation occurs may sue to collect a civil penalty ordinances or rules the... This publication from the fund a separate offense ; } Sept. 1, 1997 and each day that a and. State dog bite laws are a DANGER to animals ) sells or distributes rabies vaccine for animals in violation this..., every animal bite must be printed or impressed with the name of the county issuing the.. Thousands of people who receive monthly site updates the law only applies to bites on a leash pull. Dogs and, if known ; and information that is confidential under this subchapter care of impounded animals state and... ( 7-a ) `` dog or cat on the expiration of the county treasurer shall keep accurate... Your pets are vaccinated against this terrible disease { document.images texas dog bite law quarantine id ].src=eval ( name+ ''.src )... Your pets are vaccinated against this terrible disease be confined and observed daily for 10.! ; a style and covers relevant statutes you determine liability only applies to bites on a leash, pull apart! A lawyer near you who can help attacks by other animals ), it does have criminal statutes Human or. Name and address of the Health and Human Services Commission to $ 49,025 from $ 49,558 in.. Made of each animal with respect to which there is no liability Code chapter... Transmitted by animals that causes inflammation of the Health and Human Services Commission or exceeds the standards prescribed under subchapter... Who owns, harbors, or has custody or control of a dangerous wild animal liability...