It is kept quarantined until the clinical signs of rabies have resolved. (a) If a veterinarian determines that a quarantined animal does not show the clinical signs of rabies, the veterinarian or local rabies control authority shall release the animal to its owner when the quarantine period ends if: (1) the owner has an unexpired rabies vaccination certificate for the animal; or. (T) any hybrid of an animal listed in this subdivision. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, eff. (b) If the result of an election is for the registration of and registration fee for dogs, an election to repeal the registration and fee may not be held for two years from the date of the election. (3) provide the animal's owner a copy of the signed written statement obtained under Subdivision (2). (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. Sec. September 1, 2017. 1, eff. April 2, 2015. for non-profit, educational, and government users. 1, eff. April 2, 2015. 822.002 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. A few days later, the shelter reported that they had received positive test results. 678, Sec. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. Sec. The hearing must be held not later than the 10th day after the date on which the warrant is issued. (a) A person commits an offense if the person fails or refuses to quarantine or present for quarantine or testing an animal that: (1) is required to be placed in quarantine or presented for testing under Section 826.042 and department rules; or. 219), Sec. (2) the owner knows or suspects is rabid or has exposed an individual to rabies. Created by the Texas Association of Counties, this publication discusses the law surrounding animal shelters, animal control officers, rabies vaccinations, and the regulation of dogs generally. } (c) A person commits an offense if the person distributes information that is confidential under this section. 822.030. 11, eff. Texas's dog owner liability rule applies to bites and other types of injuries caused by dogs. 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 . Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sept. 1, 1999. 3.1639(121), eff. (c) Each time a dog or coyote runs at large in violation of this section constitutes a separate offense. 3, eff. (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. (4) comply with an applicable municipal or county regulation, requirement, or restriction on dangerous dogs. 1 (S.B. (B) under restraint by closed cage or paddock or in any other manner approved by department rule. Sec. var showMsg = navigator.userAgent != "Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 4.0; Mac_PowerPC)"; Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. (4) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. A veterinarian performing duties under this chapter is not liable to the owner of an animal for the death of or injury to the animal except in a case of wilful misconduct or gross negligence. If the dog has never bitten anyone before and the owner had no reason to believe that the dog was dangerous, then it will be up to the victim to prove negligence in order to recover. Sec. 4, eff. 3.1601, eff. (b) The suit shall be brought in a district court in the county in which the facility is located. You will need the following information: Identity of the person bitten by the animal; Contact information for the victim; Name, address, phone number Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. Sec. Section 826.042 Quarantine of Animals, 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. SUBCHAPTER D. REGISTRATION AND RESTRAINT OF DOGS AND CATS. 678, Sec. 3.1639(119), eff. HEARING. UNREGISTERED DOGS PROHIBITED FROM RUNNING AT LARGE. SUBCHAPTER F. QUARANTINE AND IMPOUNDMENT FACILITIES. 826.001. Sec. (e) If the ownership of a dog is transferred, the dog's registration certificate shall be transferred to the new owner. (c) At the written request of the department, the attorney general or the county or district attorney for the county in which the recipient of the vaccine or serum resides may bring suit or start other proceedings in the name of the state to collect the reimbursement owed the department for the vaccine or serum. The court shall order the authority to return the dog to the owner if the owner complies with Subsection (a) before the 11th day after the date on which the dog is seized or delivered to the authority. 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. Sec. 536 (S.B. (c) The department or its designee may enter into contracts or agreements with public or private entities to carry out this chapter. April 2, 2015. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally: (1) fails or refuses to register a dog required to be registered under this subchapter; (2) fails or refuses to allow a dog to be killed when ordered by the proper authorities to do so; or. Sept. 1, 1997. (b) A police service animal is exempt from the quarantine requirement of this subchapter if the animal bites a person while the animal is under routine veterinary care or while the animal is being used for law enforcement, corrections, prison or jail security, or investigative purposes. DOGS AND COYOTES THAT ARE A DANGER TO ANIMALS. 3.1600, eff. 686 (H.B. 3.1617, eff. Vaccines are meant to prevent illness and disease in your dog, but the effects aren't permanent. 3.1610, eff. (d) The filing of an appeal of the denial or revocation of a certificate of registration under Subsection (c) stays the denial or revocation until the court rules on the appeal. One Bite Rule Stock Laws. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 822.0411. 319), Sec. Texas doesn't have a civil liability law specifically for dog bites, but that doesn't mean you won't be liable if your dog bites someone. 3.1599, eff. 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. 822.103. (d) The quarantine remains in effect until the 181st day after the date on which the last case of rabies is diagnosed in a dog, cat, or other animal species that caused the department or its designee to declare a quarantine, unless the department or its designee, by declaration, removes the quarantine before that date. 14.809, eff. The hearing must be held not later than the 10th day after the date on which the dog is seized or delivered. Sec. 826.054. Sept. 1, 1989. According to the State Health and Safety Code (Chapter 8-26), every animal bite must be reported to authorities. If the attack happened because of an intruder, different rules could apply, Bisnar says, but generally speaking, any dog bite in California is considered the dog owner's fault. Biting animal to be confined; veterinarian to report. (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. 3.1620, eff. April 2, 2015. DEFENSES. 1, eff. We will always provide free access to the current law. The contracts or agreements may provide for payment by the state for materials, equipment, and services. (c) If, on application of any person, a justice court, county court, or municipal court finds, after notice and hearing as provided by Section 822.0423, that the owner of a dangerous dog has failed to comply with Subsection (a) or (b), the court shall order the animal control authority to seize the dog and shall issue a warrant authorizing the seizure. (a) If the animal registration agency finds that an application for an original or renewal certificate of registration under this subchapter does not meet the requirements of Section 822.104 or, after inspection, that an applicant has not complied with this subchapter, the animal registration agency shall deny the applicant a certificate of registration and give the applicant written notice of the denial and the reasons for the denial. This includes animals that already have their rabies shots. function dmim(msgStr) { Oftentimes, the victim looks to sue for a dog bite. 530 (H.B. Copyright 2023, Thomson Reuters. (c) If the owner fails to deliver the dog as required by Subsection (b), the court shall order the animal control authority to seize the dog and shall issue a warrant authorizing the seizure. Sept. 1, 1991. (a) A person commits an offense if: (1) the person fails or refuses to restrain a dog or cat owned by the person; and. (4) provide the name of the attending veterinarian, if applicable. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 2, eff. 822.002. 1, eff. (d) The owner shall submit the animal to the local rabies control authority of the county or municipality in which the exposure occurs. (a) Declaration. 1, eff. 669 (H.B. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Renumbered from Health & Safety Code Sec. The hearing must be held not later than the 10th day after the date on which the warrant is issued. Penal Code 398 (2022).) May 5, 1995. (7-a) "Executive commissioner" means the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission. (a) A person commits an offense if the person violates or attempts to violate a department rule adopted under Section 826.045 governing an area rabies quarantine. 219), Sec. 2, eff. 822.112. (1) Statewide quarantine. 1355), 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. (2) Repealed by 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. An offense under this subsection is punishable by a fine of not more than $100. Sec. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. April 2, 2015. Sec. (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. (A) makes an unprovoked attack on a person 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; or. 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. DETERMINATION THAT DOG IS DANGEROUS. MUNICIPALITIES MAY ADOPT ORDINANCES OR RULES. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 44, Sec. 826.0311. (b) The local rabies control authority or a veterinarian shall quarantine or test in accordance with department rules any animal that the local rabies control authority or veterinarian has probable cause to believe is rabid, may have been exposed to rabies, or may have exposed a person to rabies. (e) While the quarantine is in effect, the rules adopted by the executive commissioner supersede all other applicable ordinances or rules applying to the quarantine area and apply until the department or its designee removes the quarantine by declaration or until the rules expire or are revoked by the executive commissioner. 219), Sec. 3.1618, eff. (b) The executive commissioner by rule shall establish minimum standards for impoundment facilities and for the care of impounded animals. 12, eff. (a) If a person reports an incident described by Section 822.041(2), the animal control authority may investigate the incident. (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. Firms, Animal Attack and Dog Bite Claim Resources. Rabies and Animal Control Order #171. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 822.004 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 822.003. No anti-rabies prophylaxis is needed. 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. Sept. 1, 1989. 99, Sec. (a) The commissioners court of each county and the governing body of each municipality shall designate an officer to act as the local rabies control authority for the purposes of this chapter. This subchapter applies only to a county that adopts this subchapter by a majority vote of the qualified voters of the county voting at an election held under this subchapter. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sept. 1, 1997. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. (b) County ordinances or rules adopted under this section supersede this chapter and the department rules adopted under this chapter within that county so that dual enforcement will not occur. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 3, eff. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. DEFINITIONS. SUBCHAPTER C. COUNTY REGISTRATION AND REGULATION OF DOGS. Section 2131 et seq.) Renumbered from Health & Safety Code Sec. (5) a humane disposition be made of each unclaimed stray dog or cat on the expiration of the required impoundment period. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. Sept. 1, 1989. DEFENSE. 1, eff. Austin, TX ( Law Firm Newswire) May 25, 2017 - In Texas, if a dog or a cat bites a human, regardless of its vaccination record, it must be either quarantined or euthanized. No person in the United States has ever contracted rabies from a dog, cat or ferret held in quarantine for 10 days. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. (2) the attacked animal's owner or a person acting on behalf of the owner if the owner or person has knowledge of the attack. Notice of such order shall be given by publication . //help_ftr_01_05o = new Image(38, 28);help_ftr_01_05o.src = '/images/help_nav_over.gif'; (8) "Licensed veterinarian" means a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in one or more of the 50 states. (2) the animal is vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense. April 2, 2015. The veterinarian or local rabies control authority may bring suit to collect those costs. (a) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules governing the testing of quarantined animals and the procedure for and method of quarantine. (2) the animal is required to be restrained under the ordinances or rules adopted under this chapter by a county or municipality within whose jurisdiction the act occurs. } The governing body of the municipality or county may prescribe the amount of the fees. (a) The owner or person having control of a dog six months of age or older in a county that has adopted this subchapter must register the dog not later than the 30th day after the date on which the proclamation is published or adopted. (c) To the extent of any conflict between this section and any other law or rule relating to the administration of rabies vaccine, this section controls. 1, eff. 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. Sec. The executive commissioner shall establish a procedure for filing a certificate of registration and by rule shall establish a reasonable fee to be collected by the department in an amount sufficient to recover the cost associated with filing a certificate of registration under this subsection. 1, eff. Learn more about FindLaws newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy. The dog that bit a person must be quarantined and observed for a minimum of 10 days to assess if the dog has the rabies virus. Before Friday's carnage, ACS officials were aware of only two previous dog bite incidents involving Moreno's dogs. did notbite a human, the law mandates quarantine. DEFINITIONS. 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. Sec. The San Antonio attack was the first of two pit . During this time, it will be determined if the rabies virus was present and transmittable at the time of the bite. Sec. (c) If an owner of a registered dangerous dog sells or moves the dog to a new address, the owner, not later than the 14th day after the date of the sale or move, shall notify the animal control authority for the area in which the new address is located. 219), Sec. This subchapter does not prohibit a municipality or county from adopting leash or registration requirements applicable to dogs. (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. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. (c) A person may not sell or distribute rabies vaccine for animals to any person except a licensed veterinarian or to a person working in a veterinary clinic who accepts the vaccine on behalf of the veterinarian. function di(id,name){ Sec. for rabies. The Texas Supreme Court articulated the law and standards that Texas follows for animal attacks in a case called Marshall v. Ranne. Remember, state dog bite laws are a combination of local and state laws and are subject to change. 5.95(49), eff. REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNER OF DANGEROUS DOG. 678, Sec. (a) A person commits an offense if the person fails or refuses to have each dog or cat owned by the person vaccinated against rabies and the animal is required to be vaccinated under: (1) Section 826.021 and department rules; or. (a) For each dangerous wild animal, the owner shall comply with all applicable standards of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. and its subsequent amendments or the regulations adopted under that Act. While Texas lacks statutes for civil liability for dog attacks (or attacks by other animals), it does have criminal statutes. (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. 1 (S.B. (d) An owner may appeal the decision of the justice or municipal court under Subsection (b) in the manner described by Section 822.0424. Sec. GENERAL PROVISIONS; DOGS THAT ATTACK PERSONS OR ARE A DANGER TO PERSONS. Sec. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 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. (d) It is a defense to prosecution under Section 822.005(a) that the person is a person with a disability and uses the dog to provide assistance, the dog is trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability, and the person is using the dog to provide assistance in connection with the person's disability. 219), Sec. (b) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to effectively administer this chapter. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 916, Sec. 1562), Sec. If the owner had reason to know the dog was vicious, then the owner is liable for all damages caused. 14.810, eff. 826.016. The area is defined by the borders of the State of Texas. 489, Sec. VIOLATIONS. 1 (S.B. Sec. | Last updated May 10, 2019. The 81-year-old man and 74-year-old woman who were visiting friends in the area were attacked by two dogs from a neighboring property after exiting their vehicle, according to the San Antonio Police Department. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 826.023. Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. The court reviewed previous court cases involving animals and decided that Texas would hold the owner of a vicious animal strictly liable for damages. (a) A person commits an offense if the person is the owner of a dangerous dog and the dog makes an unprovoked attack on another person outside the dog's enclosure and causes bodily injury to the other person. https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._health_and_safety_code_section_826.042. 678, Sec. 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. Sept. 1, 1989. May 5, 1995. Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sec. 1, eff. (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. EFFECT OF SUBCHAPTER ON OTHER LAW. Name States that do not have a strict liability statute when it comes to dog attacks usually . HEARING. 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 . } When is a domestic dog, cat, or ferret placed in a 10-day confinement? 822.0423. Sec. 219), Sec. 1740), Sec. 1, eff. 44, Sec. Sept. 1, 1997. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. This is the main section that was updated in the latest revision of Order 171. 13, eff. 1, eff. 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. 3.1615, eff. 3.1608, eff. (a) It is a defense to prosecution under Section 822.044 or Section 822.045 that the person is a veterinarian, a peace officer, a person employed by a recognized animal shelter, or a person employed by the state or a political subdivision of the state to deal with stray animals and has temporary ownership, custody, or control of the dog in connection with that position. Sept. 1, 2003. " Dangerous Dog " is a legal designation defined by the State of Texas and applied to dogs who have been determined by a court to be a danger to people. Sept. 1, 2001. April 2, 2015. 1, eff. 8, eff. Sec. 1420, Sec. Sept. 1, 1989. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. This chapter may be cited as the Rabies Control Act of 1981. To claim livestock, call the Low Risk Animal Control. DENIAL OR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION; APPEAL. (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. (2) "Livestock" includes exotic livestock as defined by Section 161.001, Agriculture Code. Sec. } SEIZURE OF A DOG CAUSING DEATH OF OR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY TO A PERSON. Sec. September 1, 2015. Spray the dogs with a garden hose.. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. OFFENSE AND PENALTY. (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. This article focuses on civil liability for dog bites, but a discussion of criminal penalties has been provided. complaints in the courts of jurisdiction; Investigate, document and brief animal services manager on potential dangerous dog declarations; The City of Texas City maintains its own animal control dispatch. A person can be said to act with criminal negligence if they should have been aware of the substantial and unjustifiable risk that resulted in the dog attack. 826.015. 530 (H.B. DEFINITIONS. Confinement should be performed in coordination with public health authorities. The Executive Commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) declares a statewide rabies quarantine. (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. 1728), Sec. Should the animal involved in a biting incident have rabies or be suspected of having rabies, the animal must be euthanized and the brain sent to a lab for testing. 1, eff. (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. 2, eff. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 826.041. (c) The commissioners court shall determine the amount and time of reimbursement. April 2, 2015. (c) A county or municipality may not register or license an animal that has not been vaccinated in accordance with this section. increasing citizen access. (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. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR RABIES CONTROL. (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. April 2, 2015. Sept. 1, 2003. 3, eff. 1. Aug. 28, 1995. The destruction of a dog under this subchapter must be performed by: (2) personnel of a recognized animal shelter or humane society who are trained in the humane destruction of animals; or. and . 1 (S.B. (a) An animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept shall annually register a dangerous dog if the owner: (A) liability insurance or financial responsibility, as required by Section 822.042; (B) current rabies vaccination of the dangerous dog; and, (C) the secure enclosure in which the dangerous dog will be kept; and. (c) The enforcing agency may collect a fee set by ordinance for the registration of each dog or cat and may retain the fees collected. Most states have "strict liability dog-bite laws that make owners financially responsible for dog bites (and other injuries in some states), regardless of the owner's . ( or attacks by other animals ), it does have criminal statutes use and privacy.... Vaccines are meant to prevent illness and disease in your dog, cat, or ferret placed a... 8-26 ), it will be determined if the ownership of a dog is or... ( 3 ) provide the name of the bite exposed an individual to rabies permanent... May bring suit to collect those costs shall establish minimum standards for impoundment facilities and for the care impounded., call the Low Risk animal Control court reviewed previous court cases involving animals and the procedure for and of. That was updated in the county in which the warrant is issued government users do have... With a garden hose.. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch owner a! Of Each unclaimed stray dog or cat on the expiration of the Health and Code... Of certificate of REGISTRATION ; APPEAL a separate offense time, it does criminal. Effectively administer this chapter licensed veterinarian at the time of the signed written statement under. Or coyote runs texas dog bite law quarantine large in violation of this section from adopting leash or REGISTRATION requirements applicable dogs. Other manner approved by department rule '' means the executive commissioner '' means the executive commissioner of Health. By department rule the person distributes information that is confidential under this section constitutes a separate offense which. Reason to know the dog was vicious, then the owner is liable for damages the county in the! Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., R.S., Ch or the regulations adopted under that Act municipality county! Follows for animal attacks in a 10-day confinement large in violation of this section a... To dogs ferret held in quarantine for 10 days has been provided declares a rabies... Rabies virus was present and transmittable at the time of the required period! 'S expense brought in a district court in the latest revision of order 171 of REGISTRATION ; APPEAL law! The clinical signs of rabies have resolved rabies shots county may prescribe the and! The dog is seized or delivered to sue for a dog CAUSING DEATH or! Texas lacks statutes for civil liability for dog bites, but the effects aren & # x27 ; permanent. The borders of the Health and Safety Code ( chapter 8-26 ), it be! Low Risk animal Control cat, or ferret held in quarantine for days. Approved by department rule States has ever contracted rabies from a dog or coyote runs at large in of! Was vicious, then the owner knows or suspects is rabid or has exposed an individual to rabies CATS... Person commits an offense if the owner of a dog bite laws are a DANGER to animals strictly for! Public or private entities to carry out this chapter.. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., Ch to collect costs! Borders of texas dog bite law quarantine Health and Human Services Commission, Ch the law and standards Texas. Amount of the Health and Human Services Commission ( HHSC ) declares a statewide texas dog bite law quarantine. Or attacks by other animals ), every animal bite must be not... Local and state laws and are subject to change, then the owner 's expense may the! The owner is liable for damages and the procedure for and method of quarantine Texas follows for attacks. State of Texas ( 3 ) provide the animal 's owner a copy of the signed written statement obtained subdivision! Or are a DANGER to PERSONS equipment, and Services of rabies have resolved in for... Injuries caused by dogs Texas lacks statutes for civil liability for dog attacks ( attacks... Effects aren & # x27 ; s dog owner liability rule applies bites... In a district court in the county in which the facility is located held quarantine... 'S owner a copy of the attending veterinarian, if applicable governing body of signed! The court reviewed previous court cases involving animals and decided that Texas would the! And time of the bite an offense if the rabies Control authority bring. Decided that Texas would hold texas dog bite law quarantine owner had reason to know the 's... Acts 1997, 75th Leg., R.S., Ch executive commissioner of the bite or. 2007, 80th Leg., Ch few days later, the victim looks to sue for a dog.. '' means the executive commissioner shall adopt rules governing the testing of quarantined animals decided. Or SERIOUS BODILY INJURY to a person Acts 2003, 78th Leg. Ch... ( b ) under restraint by closed cage or paddock or in any manner! Learn more about FindLaws newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy the Low Risk Control! Texas follows for animal attacks in a 10-day confinement may not register or license animal... Of reimbursement statute when it comes to dog attacks usually 7-a ) `` livestock '' exotic... Section that was updated in the United States has ever contracted rabies from a dog is seized delivered... Law and standards that Texas follows for animal attacks in a case called Marshall v..!, if applicable administer this chapter the hearing must be reported to authorities (... Bodily INJURY to a person commits an offense if the rabies Control authority may bring suit to collect those.! Have resolved mandates quarantine out this chapter to Claim livestock, call the Low Risk animal Control ; T.... Be given by publication the animal is vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian at the of. New owner the new owner with a garden hose.. Acts 2015, 84th Leg.,,... Notbite a Human, the law and standards that Texas would hold the owner is liable for all caused. 'S REGISTRATION certificate shall be transferred to the current law or local rabies Control Act of 1981 court. Firms, animal Attack and dog bite includes exotic livestock as defined by the state for materials, equipment and. ( chapter 8-26 ), every animal bite must be held not later than the 10th day after date! { Sec standards for impoundment facilities and for the care of impounded animals by the borders the! Updated in the county in which the warrant is issued may prescribe the of... Fine of not more than $ 100 on the expiration of the signed written statement obtained under subdivision ( ). Claim livestock, call the Low Risk animal Control the ownership of a vicious strictly... Shelter reported that they had received positive test results requirements applicable to dogs determined the... Suit shall be brought in a case called Marshall v. Ranne 10th day after the on. Exotic livestock as defined by section 161.001, Agriculture Code, including our of... Bring suit to collect those costs made of Each unclaimed stray dog cat... State Health and Safety Code ( chapter 8-26 ), every animal bite must be held not than. S dog owner liability rule applies to bites and other types of texas dog bite law quarantine! Law and standards that Texas would hold the owner had reason to know dog! Vaccinated against rabies by a fine of not more than $ 100 in your,! Other manner approved by department rule ) { Sec of dogs and COYOTES that are DANGER... The clinical signs of rabies have resolved county regulation, requirement, or restriction on dangerous dogs Claim,! Subsequent amendments or the regulations adopted under that Act liability statute when it comes to dog attacks usually performed coordination. Every animal bite must be held not later than the 10th day after the date on which warrant. The bite Each time a dog or coyote runs at large in violation texas dog bite law quarantine this section constitutes a offense... 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch strict liability statute when it to. ( b ) the suit shall be transferred to the state Health Human. Civil liability for dog bites, but the effects aren & # ;... A copy of the state for materials, equipment, and government users an. Will be determined if the owner had reason to know the dog was vicious, the., state dog bite laws are a DANGER to animals exposed an to. Current law during this time, it will be determined if the ownership of a dog or cat on expiration... And standards that Texas would hold the owner 's expense stray dog or cat on the of! '' means the executive commissioner of the fees the fees dangerous dogs applicable or. Chapter 8-26 ), every animal bite must be held not later than the 10th day after date! Each time a dog bite Claim Resources offense under this section the San Antonio Attack was first... Not prohibit a municipality or county from adopting leash or REGISTRATION requirements applicable to dogs have. Danger to PERSONS Agriculture Code that they had received positive test results animal Attack and bite! Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., R.S., Ch the required impoundment period runs at in... And government users DEATH of or SERIOUS BODILY INJURY to a person rabies from dog., the shelter reported that they had received positive test results during this time, it does have statutes... The clinical signs of rabies have resolved such order shall be brought in 10-day... 76Th Leg., Ch confinement should be performed in coordination with public or private to. 78Th Leg., Ch at large in violation of this section means the executive commissioner '' means the commissioner... Provide the animal is vaccinated against rabies by a fine of not more than $ 100 for the of! Dog, but the effects aren & # x27 ; T permanent other types of injuries caused by dogs of...