(c) Each time a dog or coyote runs at large in violation of this section constitutes a separate offense. (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. 1, eff. APPEAL. (a) A person commits an offense if: (1) the person fails or refuses to restrain a dog or cat owned by the person; and. The average cost per claim decreased 1 percent in 2021 to $49,025 from $49,558 in 2020. 219), Sec. 686 (H.B. 826.002. 14.809, eff. Sec. Sept. 1, 1991. } 3.1639(121), eff. 11, eff. (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. (b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree unless the attack causes death, in which event the offense is a felony of the second degree. In this subchapter: (1) "Dog or coyote" includes a crossbreed between a dog and a coyote. IAdminfootr01a_01_04o = new Image(123, 28);IAdminfootr01a_01_04o.src = '/images/om_nav_over.gif'; CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION; FEES. SUBCHAPTER D. REGISTRATION AND RESTRAINT OF DOGS AND CATS. Sept. 1, 1989. Learn more about FindLaws newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy. This applies to both domestic and wild animals. Texas laws pertaining to rabies vaccinations for animals: Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 826, Rabies Control Act Texas Administrative Code, Ch. 1740), Sec. 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. 219), Sec. 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. The average cost per claim nationally has risen 39 percent from . When is a domestic dog, cat, or ferret placed in a 10-day confinement? April 2, 2015. (b) A person who violates this section commits an offense. 826.025. Overview of Texas Dog Bite Law There are a number of causes of action available to the victim of a dog attack in Texas. You can be held civilly or criminally liable. 219), Sec. DISPOSITION OF FEE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person operates a facility for quarantined or impounded animals that fails to meet standards for approval established by: (2) ordinances or rules adopted under this chapter by a county or municipality. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. (5) "Department" means the Department of State Health Services. (c) If a dog is moved to another county, the owner may present the registration certificate to the county treasurer of the county to which the dog is moved and receive without additional cost a registration certificate. 3.1602, eff. (a) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules governing the types of facilities that may be used to quarantine animals. (a) A person who knows of an animal bite or scratch to an individual that the person could reasonably foresee as capable of transmitting rabies, or who knows of an animal that the person suspects is rabid, shall report the incident or animal to the local rabies control authority of the county or municipality in which the person lives, in which the animal is located, or in which the exposure occurs. (11) "Stray" means roaming with no physical restraint beyond the premises of an animal's owner or keeper. In addition to the notice required by Section 4.003, Election Code, notice of an election under this subchapter shall be published at least once in an English language newspaper of general circulation in the county. 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. Sec. 669 (H.B. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. There are further considerations following an attack. If after biting the person the animal exhibits any abnormal behavior, the law enforcement agency and the animal's handler or rider shall make the animal available within a reasonable time for testing by the local health authority. Costs or fees recovered under this subsection shall be credited to the operating account from which payment for the animal registration agency's expenditures was made.