texas dog bite law quarantine
44, Sec. 822.046. (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. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1069, Sec. 822.004. April 2, 2015. 6, eff. 1002, Sec. Sept. 1, 2003. 822.0012. 1, eff. 96, Sec. The fees collected under this section may be used only to administer and enforce this subchapter. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. (a) Rabies vaccine for animals may be administered only by or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. (d) The court shall order the dog destroyed if the court finds that the dog caused the death of a person by attacking, biting, or mauling the person. 1 (S.B. Sec. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, eff. 13, eff. September 1, 2017. (b) This subchapter does not require a municipality that does not have an animal control office to create that office. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. To report an animal bite of any kind, please call 311. May 5, 1995. Sec. (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. The owner shall pay any cost incurred in seizing the dog. (d) Subject to any limitations or conditions prescribed by the legislature, the department or its designee may seek, receive, and spend funds received through appropriations, grants, or donations from public or private sources for the rabies control program established by this chapter. 1728), Sec. (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. 219), Sec. 7-4.2 (a) Fails to microchip cat or dog. The information contained in the registry may not include the social security number or the driver's license number of the owner of the registered animal. (a) The governing body of a municipality may adopt ordinances or rules that establish a local rabies control program in the municipality and set local standards that are compatible with and equal to or more stringent than: (1) the ordinances or rules adopted by the county in which the municipality is located; and. To claim livestock, call the Low Risk Animal Control. This chapter and the rules adopted by the executive commissioner under this chapter are the minimum standards for rabies control. IAdminfootr01a_01_03o = new Image(226, 28);IAdminfootr01a_01_03o.src = '/images/tac_nav_over.gif'; then by law it must be euthanized and tested. When a person is bitten by a domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), cat (Felis catus) or ferret (Mustela putorius furo), N.C. General Statute 130A-196 requires that the animal be (b) A dog brought into a county for not more than 10 days for breeding purposes, trial, or show is not required to be registered. 1 (S.B. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. (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. April 2, 2015. 99, Sec. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 826.0211. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sec. 11, eff. And this is often the case if the assault is not severe. 822.047. If the owner had reason to know that the dog was dangerous, then the owner is strictly liable for the injury caused. Sec. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 1 (S.B. 44, Sec. 219), Sec. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. April 2, 2015. (a) A person commits an offense if: (1) the person fails or refuses to register or present for registration a dog or cat owned by the person; and. (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. This publication from the Texas Association of Counties is written in a Q & A style and covers relevant statutes . 826.045. Any law-enforcement officer or animal control officer who (i) has reason to believe that an animal is a dangerous dog and (ii) is located in the jurisdiction where the animal resides or in the jurisdiction where the act was committed may apply to a magistrate for the issuance of a summons requiring the owner, if known, to appear before a general . 7, eff; May 5, 1995. Sec. 44, Sec. 1 (S.B. LOCAL REGULATION OF DOGS. // 7, eff. An owner of a dangerous wild animal, at all reasonable times, shall allow the animal registration agency, its staff, its agents, or a designated licensed veterinarian to enter the premises where the animal is kept and to inspect the animal, the primary enclosure for the animal, and the owner's records relating to the animal to ensure compliance with this subchapter. (3) "Dangerous dog," "dog," "owner," and "secure enclosure" have the meanings assigned by Section 822.041. 219), Sec. 1, eff. 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. (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. if (document.images) { Sec. May 5, 1995; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. Therefore, it is illegal to transport the following species from, to, or within the State of Texas: foxes, coyotes, skunks, or raccoons indigenous to North America. (c) If a person is found guilty of an offense under this section, the court may order the dog destroyed by a person listed in Section 822.004. (4-a) "Executive commissioner" means the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission. Lawyers know that many Texas dog bites occur when an animal is threatened. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR RABIES CONTROL. September 1, 2015. SUBCHAPTER A. (e) This section does not prohibit a veterinarian licensed by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners from selling or dispensing rabies vaccine to an individual with whom the veterinarian has a veterinarian-client-patient relationship as described by Chapter 801, Occupations Code, for the sole purpose of allowing that individual to administer the rabies vaccine to that individual's own livestock. (a) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules governing the types of facilities that may be used to quarantine animals. April 2, 2015. Renumbered from Health & Safety Code Sec. (a) A person commits an offense if: (1) the person fails or refuses to restrain a dog or cat owned by the person; and. 219), Sec. 822.031. (E) in conformance with the requirements for enclosures established by the local animal control authority. (b) The animal control 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. (d) In addition to the items required under Subsection (c), an application for renewal must include a statement signed by a veterinarian licensed to practice in this state stating that the veterinarian: (1) inspected each animal being registered not earlier than the 30th day before the date of the filing of the renewal application; and. 3. (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. (a) The department or its designee, with the cooperation of the governing bodies of counties and municipalities, shall administer the rabies control program established by this chapter. May 5, 1995. 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1995. The dog must remain quarantined for at least ten days, often at the owner's home or the pound. June 15, 2007. (c) A person may appeal the denial of an original or renewal certificate of registration or the revocation of a certificate of registration to the justice court for the precinct in which the animal is located or the municipal court in the municipality in which the animal is located not later than the 15th day after the date the certificate of registration is denied or revoked. 1, Sec. Telephone: 214-819-2000 Rabies is a viral neuroinvasive disease transmitted by animals that causes inflammation of the brain. Sept. 1, 1997. (d) The enforcing agency shall deposit the fees collected in the treasury of the enforcing agency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a 10-day quarantine to combat this. Sec. Sec. Sept. 1, 2001. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. and its subsequent amendments and the regulations adopted under that Act; (10) a nonhuman primate owned by and in the control and custody of a person whose only business is supplying nonhuman primates directly and exclusively to biomedical research facilities and who holds a Class "A" or Class "B" dealer's license issued by the secretary of agriculture of the United States under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 1 (S.B. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. (b) The county judge shall issue a proclamation declaring the result of the election if the vote is in favor of the measure. It can be reached at 409.643.5720 . April 2, 2015. A governmental entity or person that receives the information must maintain the confidentiality of the information, may not disclose the information under Chapter 552, Government Code, and may not use the information for a purpose that does not directly relate to the protection of public health and safety. (b) A person who violates this section commits an offense. 3.1639(121), eff. Sec. 219), Sec. (b) Registration is valid for one year from the date of registration. A governmental entity or person that receives the information, including a county or municipality that registers dogs and cats under Subchapter D, must maintain the confidentiality of the information, may not disclose the information under Chapter 552, Government Code, and may not use the information for a purpose that does not directly relate to the protection of public health and safety. (d) The owner, keeper, or person in control of a dog or coyote that is known to have attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowls shall control the dog or coyote in a manner approved by the local animal control authority. 1002, Sec. (a) A person who owns or keeps custody or control of a dangerous dog commits an offense if the person fails to comply with Section 822.042 or Section 822.0422(b) or an applicable municipal or county regulation relating to dangerous dogs. 1 (S.B. 1, eff. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. (b) In accordance with department rules and eligibility standards, the department is entitled to be reimbursed by or on behalf of the person receiving the vaccine or serum for actual costs incurred in providing the vaccine or serum. Sec. There are further considerations following an attack. COUNTIES MAY ADOPT ORDINANCES AND RULES. The owner or person having control of a dog at least six months of age in a county adopting this subchapter may not allow the dog to run at large unless the dog: (1) is registered under this subchapter with the county in which the dog runs at large; and. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 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. If a dog bites or in any way attacks a person within Livingston city limits, the owner or person with custody of the dog must immediately secure the animal in quarantine for ten days, during which time inspections will be made periodically to determine whether the dog is infected with rabies. INTERVAL BETWEEN ELECTIONS. Sec. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. or uses dogs for law enforcement or corrections purposes. (c) The department or its designee may enter into contracts or agreements with public or private entities to carry out this chapter. DEFINITIONS. (e) It is a defense to prosecution under Section 822.005(a) that the person attacked by the dog was at the time of the attack engaged in conduct prohibited by Chapters 19, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29, and 30, Penal Code. 1, 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. (e) Subject to Subsection (e-1), the court shall order the animal control authority to humanely destroy the dog if the owner has not complied with Subsection (a) before the 11th day after the date on which the dog is seized or delivered to the authority. RELEASE OR DISPOSITION OF QUARANTINED ANIMAL. 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. 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. 9, eff. 4, eff. LOCAL RABIES CONTROL PROGRAMS. The typical strict liability dog bite statute says that a dog owner is liable if his or her dog bites someone, regardless of whether the owner did anything wrong, as long as the injured person: was not trespassing or otherwise breaking the law at the time of the incident, and did not provoke the dog. Make a big ruckus by shouting, screaming or clapping your hands. 826.012. 1355), Sec. April 2, 2015. (c) When transporting a dangerous wild animal, the owner of the animal, or a designated carrier or intermediate handler of the animal, shall comply with all transportation standards that apply to that animal under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. The agency said the dog was euthanized following a 10-day bite quarantine and that the decision was made prior to a planned rally outside of the HRA in Northwest D.C. Last week, 7News reported that several other rescues had offered to take Marley. 3340), Sec. Sept. 1, 1989. 1 (S.B. Confinement should be performed in coordination with public health authorities. Domestic Animals Cats, dogs and ferrets If you were bitten by a cat, dog, or ferret that appeared healthy at the time you were bitten, it can be confined by its owner for 10 days and observed. (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. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. Sec. 1420, Sec. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. REPORTING OF INCIDENT IN CERTAIN COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES. 3.1616, eff. April 2, 2015. 1. (A) an activity involving a dangerous wild animal conducted for profit that is not inherent to the animal's nature; (B) an activity for which a fee is charged and that is entertainment using or an exhibition of the animal; or. September 1, 2021. 5 High Risk Animals Bat Skunk Raccoon Coyote Fox What to Do if Bitten or Scratched The first thing you should do if you have been bitten, scratched, or have had your skin broken is: Wash immediately with soap & water Contact 911 or the Sheriff's Office to report incident Contact Animal Control 8, eff. (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. The recommended schedule for Bordetella vaccinations depends on whether it is the first dose or a booster, your dogs level of risk and his health. 3.1613, eff. 826.011. The primary duties that a dog bite attorney is often required to do is to seek compensation for the victim's injuries and prepare for the . In this subchapter: (1) "Dog or coyote" includes a crossbreed between a dog and a coyote. (a) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules governing the testing of quarantined animals and the procedure for and method of quarantine. An owner of a dangerous wild animal shall maintain liability insurance coverage in an amount of not less than $100,000 for each occurrence for liability for damages for destruction of or damage to property and death or bodily injury to a person caused by the dangerous wild animal. (c) A person commits an offense if the person distributes information that is confidential under this section. April 2, 2015. 530 (H.B. Email: shelter@smith-county.com. } we provide special support 44, Sec. REGISTRATION REQUIRED; EXCEPTION FOR TEMPORARY VISITS. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, Sec. September 1, 2017. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, eff. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sec. for non-profit, educational, and government users. 14.810, eff. (A) Biting dog, cat, or ferret. 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. 3.1617, eff. 99, Sec. The veterinarian or local rabies control authority may bring suit to collect those costs. Sept. 1, 1989. (4) provide the name of the attending veterinarian, if applicable. (e)