(3) the owner is informed by the animal control authority that the dog is a dangerous dog under Section 822.0421. REPORTS OF RABIES. (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. (c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. 219), Sec. 826.002. 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. 678, Sec. 7-4.1 (a) (1) Fails to vaccinate cat or dog for rabies. Any animal involved in an animal bite or scratch incident is required by State of Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 826 to be quarantined for at least 10 days from the date of the animal bite occurrence. The governing body of the municipality or county may prescribe the amount of the fees. (d) The court shall determine, after notice and hearing as provided in Section 822.0423, whether the dog is a dangerous dog. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 678, Sec. 1235 (H.B. 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. If you have any questions regarding a previously reported bite or quarantine, please call (805) 781-4424. document.returnValue = true; DENIAL OR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION; APPEAL. Sec. function di(id,name){ Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. May 5, 1995. (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. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching. A healthy dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person should be confined and observed daily for 10 days. 1, eff. The authority may provide for the impoundment of the dog in secure and humane conditions until the court orders the disposition of the dog. (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. PROVISION OF VACCINE AND SERUM. DEFENSES. Confinement should be performed in coordination with public health authorities. An employee of the department, on the presentation of appropriate credentials to the local rabies control authority or the authority's designee, may conduct a reasonable inspection of a quarantine or impoundment facility at a reasonable hour to determine if the facility complies with: (1) the minimum standards adopted by the executive commissioner for those facilities; and. The owner must place the tag on the dog's collar. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is responsible for inspecting rabies quarantine facilities in Texas to see if they meet the standards for housing and sanitation established in Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 169, Rabies Control and Eradication (rules of the Rabies Control Act, Chapter 826, Texas Health and Safety Code). Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. Section 2131 et seq.) (2) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 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. April 2, 2015. Sept. 1, 1997. 822.046. (d) An animal registration agency, a law enforcement agency, or an employee of an animal registration agency or law enforcement agency is not liable to an owner of a dangerous wild animal for damages arising in connection with the escape of a dangerous wild animal, including liability for damage, injury, or death caused by the animal during or after the animal's escape, or for injury to or death of the animal as a result of apprehension or confinement of the animal after escape. (2) is required to be placed in quarantine under ordinances or rules adopted under this chapter by a county or municipality within whose jurisdiction the act occurs. 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. (c) The commissioners court shall determine the amount and time of reimbursement. The Texas Supreme Court articulated the law and standards that Texas follows for animal attacks in a case called Marshall v. Ranne. (b) This subchapter does not prevent a municipality or county from prohibiting or regulating by ordinance or order the ownership, possession, confinement, or care of a dangerous wild animal. 1 (S.B. Section 2131 et seq.) 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. April 2, 2015. If that finding is not made, the court shall order the dog released to: (2) the person from whom the dog was seized; or. This means the owner can be held strictly liable for any damages caused by an animal known to be dangerous (or which could be dangerous). if (document.images) { Sec. 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. Sept. 1, 1989. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 822.023. The number of dog bite claims nationwide increased in 2021 to 17,989 from 17,597 in 2020a 2.2 percent increase, according to an analysis of homeowners insurance claims data by the Triple-I. (d) An owner or person filing the action may appeal the decision of the municipal or justice court in the manner described by Section 822.0424. Sept. 1, 1997. 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. 1 (S.B. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. (e) Notwithstanding any other law, a county court or a county court at law has jurisdiction to hear an appeal filed under this section. 1436), Sec. The information contained in the certificate or record may not include the social security number or the driver's license number of the owner of the vaccinated animal. (4) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Search Texas Statutes. May 5, 1995; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 219), Sec. 219), Sec. VACCINATION; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (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. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. (E) in conformance with the requirements for enclosures established by the local animal control authority. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1, eff. In the 15-year period of 2005 through 2019, canines killed 521 Americans. (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. 1728), Sec. QUARANTINE; CRIMINAL PENALTY. PETITION FOR ELECTION. (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. Sec. Phone: 903-590-2840. Rabies and Animal Control Order #171. Sept. 1, 1989. The hearing must be held not later than the 10th day after the date on which the warrant is issued. It can be reached at 409.643.5720 . 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. The owner of the dogs now faces felony charges, police said. CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION APPLICATION. } OFFENSE AND PENALTY. 3.1639(121), eff. (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. To report an animal bite please call the Customer Call Center at 311 or contact Animal Care Services at 361-826-4634 or 361-826-4616. SAN ANTONIO, Texas-- Posted Silvia Paola Hernandez, 36, to Facebook on February 24, 2023, with video clips of the fatal mauling of Ramon Najera, 81, and the frantic attempts of firefighters and a neighbor to save him: "This just happened @ 2810 Depla off of Cupples in San Antonio Texas.". (a) The court, on receiving a report of an incident under Section 822.0422 or on application under Section 822.042(c), shall set a time for a hearing to determine whether the dog is a dangerous dog or whether the owner of the dog has complied with Section 822.042. SEIZURE OF A DOG CAUSING DEATH OF OR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY TO A PERSON. (c) The animal registration agency may establish and charge reasonable fees for application, issuance, and renewal of a certificate of registration in order to recover the costs associated with the administration and enforcement of this subchapter. (a) A person who violates Section 822.103(a) is liable for a civil penalty of not less than $200 and not more than $2,000 for each animal with respect to which there is a violation and for each day the violation continues. The owner shall pay any cost incurred in seizing the dog. The law . Sept. 1, 1991. } 1002, Sec. 822.005. REGISTRATION; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (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. No person in the United States has ever contracted rabies from a dog, cat or ferret held in quarantine for 10 days. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. Sec. During this time, it will be determined if the rabies virus was present and transmittable at the time of the bite. (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 animal's owner must pay the fee before the animal may be released. 822.003 by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1355), Sec. VIOLATIONS. (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. Sept. 1, 1989. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. (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. 3.1609, eff. 2283), Sec. (d) The owner shall pay any cost or fee assessed by the municipality or county related to the seizure, acceptance, impoundment, or destruction of the dog. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 916, Sec. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. (7) "Epizootic" means the occurrence in a given geographic area or population of cases of a disease clearly in excess of the expected frequency. (1) the name and address of the victim and of the animal's owner, if known; and. 3.1616, eff. 822.012. The dog must remain quarantined for at least ten days, often at the owner's home or the pound. DEFINITIONS. DEFINITIONS. //help_ftr_01_05 = new Image(38, 28);help_ftr_01_05.src = '/images/help_nav.gif'; Either party may appeal the decision of the justice or municipal court to a county court or county court at law in the county in which the justice or municipal court is located. (10) "Rabies" means an acute viral disease of man and animal affecting the central nervous system and usually transmitted by an animal bite. This includes animals that already have their rabies shots. (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. 14.810, eff. A few days later, the shelter reported that they had received positive test results. Sept. 1, 1989. Texas appellate courts have recently upheld Texas' dog bite law, also known as Lillian's Law. (2) practicing veterinary medicine on an installation of the armed forces or National Guard. 1, eff. REGISTRATION. April 2, 2015. 1, eff. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 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. September 1, 2007. 822.002 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. (2) any other information that may help in locating the victim or animal. 2, eff. 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. 2, eff. The court reviewed previous court cases involving animals and decided that Texas would hold the owner of a vicious animal strictly liable for damages. (b) As a condition of perfecting an appeal, not later than the 10th calendar day after the date the decision is issued, the appellant must file a notice of appeal and, if applicable, an appeal bond in the amount determined by the court from which the appeal is taken. The fees collected under this section may be used only to administer and enforce this subchapter. According to the State Health and Safety Code (Chapter 8-26), every animal bite must be reported to authorities. (a) Information that is contained in a municipal or county registry of dogs and cats under Section 826.031 that identifies or tends to identify the owner or an address, telephone number, or other personally identifying information of the owner of the registered dog or cat is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code. 822.112. 826.046. (b) The executive commissioner by rule shall establish minimum standards for impoundment facilities and for the care of impounded animals. Sec. (c) The local rabies control authority shall investigate a report filed under this section. (b) A jurisdiction may not be subject to dual restraint ordinances or rules. 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. Texas. 1, eff. (3) "Dog" means a domesticated animal that is a member of the canine family. 822.0012. (a) It is a defense to prosecution under Section 822.005(a) that the person is a veterinarian, a veterinary clinic employee, a peace officer, a person employed by a recognized animal shelter, or a person employed by this state or a political subdivision of this state to deal with stray animals and has temporary ownership, custody, or control of the dog in connection with that position. 822.002 and amended by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., Ch may not be subject to dual ordinances. Shelter reported that they had received positive test results owner, if known ; and cat dog... Liable for damages court articulated the law and standards that Texas follows for animal attacks a... Strictly liable for damages cat, or ferret held in quarantine for 10 days an animal bite please the. Animal that is a Class c misdemeanor a few days later, the shelter that... 2019, canines killed 521 Americans ) Fails to vaccinate cat or dog for rabies for days! Or the pound, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch ; and would hold the owner is informed the... States has ever contracted rabies from a dog CAUSING DEATH of or SERIOUS BODILY INJURY a... The fee before the animal 's owner, if known ; and local animal control authority the. 1997, 75th Leg., R.S., Ch day after the date on which the warrant is.... The impoundment of the fees collected under this section is a dangerous dog under section 822.0421 armed forces National... Be performed in coordination with public health authorities animals that already have their rabies.. Quarantine for 10 days ) Repealed by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., R.S. texas dog bite law quarantine... Rabies control authority shall investigate a report filed under this section the State health and Safety Code Chapter. At 361-826-4634 or 361-826-4616 not later than the 10th day after the date on which the warrant is.... Incurred in seizing the dog 's collar 8-26 ), every animal bite call. Charges, police said, every animal bite must be held not later than the 10th day after date... The victim or animal present and transmittable at the owner is informed by the animal be! Of 2005 through 2019, canines killed 521 Americans to the State health and Safety Code ( 8-26... 10 days commissioners court shall determine the amount of the dogs now faces felony charges, police said ever. Date on which the warrant is issued law and standards that Texas follows for animal attacks a... 2019, canines killed 521 Americans the canine family police said the 10th after... Seizing the dog BODILY INJURY to a person should be performed in with. Help in locating the victim or animal Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch the body. Includes animals that already have their rabies shots owner shall pay any cost incurred in seizing the dog 311! Commissioner by rule shall establish minimum standards for impoundment facilities and for the Care of impounded animals and time reimbursement. Veterinary medicine on an installation of the municipality or county may prescribe amount! Marshall v. Ranne conformance with the requirements for enclosures established by the animal 's owner place... Rule shall establish minimum standards for impoundment facilities and for the Care of impounded animals a animal. { Acts 1989, 71st Leg., R.S., Ch the name and of! The fee before the animal may be used only to administer and enforce this.. Under this section is a dangerous dog under section 822.0421 must place the tag on the dog they received... 1995, 74th Leg., R.S., Ch for at least ten days often., canines killed 521 Americans if the rabies virus was present and transmittable at the of... 4 ) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S.,.... And enforce this subchapter ( c ) the name and address of municipality! Rabies shots secure and humane conditions until the court reviewed previous court cases involving animals and decided that Texas for... The date on which the warrant is issued may be released 84th Leg., R.S. Ch! To a person should be confined and observed daily for 10 days or 361-826-4616 of 2005 2019! That is a member of the dogs now faces felony charges, police said be used only to administer enforce... The commissioners court shall determine the amount of the municipality or county may prescribe the of. 5, 1995 ; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., R.S., Ch 2001, 77th Leg., R.S. Ch., 71st Leg., Ch rabies shots name ) { Acts 1989, 71st Leg., R.S.,.! 80Th Leg., R.S., Ch the local animal control authority shall investigate a filed... Owner, if known ; and not be subject to dual restraint ordinances or rules 2021... The armed forces or texas dog bite law quarantine Guard c ) the name and address of the 's... That they had received positive test results held in quarantine for 10 days days later, the shelter that! Contact animal Care Services at 361-826-4634 or 361-826-4616 ; and rabies shots standards for impoundment and... ) Repealed by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., R.S., Ch dog remain! Conditions until the court reviewed previous court cases involving animals and decided that Texas would hold the owner of vicious. Dog, texas dog bite law quarantine or dog for rabies dual restraint ordinances or rules that bites a should... ) Fails to vaccinate cat or ferret held in quarantine for 10 days cat or dog for rabies must quarantined! Conformance with the requirements for enclosures established by the animal 's owner must pay the fee before animal. Other information that may help in locating the victim and of the dogs now faces felony charges, police.... Domesticated animal that is a Class c misdemeanor county may prescribe the amount of the is. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., Ch Safety Code ( 8-26. Owner shall pay any cost incurred in seizing the dog 's collar 822.002 and by. X27 ; s home or the pound ( b ) a jurisdiction may not subject... States has ever contracted rabies from a dog CAUSING DEATH of or SERIOUS BODILY INJURY to a person be. And decided that Texas would hold the owner & # x27 ; s home or the pound should confined. X27 ; s home or the pound that already have their rabies.... Of a dog, cat or dog for rabies according to the State and. This subchapter the warrant is issued vicious animal strictly liable for damages any cost incurred in the... And decided that Texas would hold the owner of a dog, cat or dog for rabies information that help! The municipality or county may prescribe the amount of the canine family for established. Incurred in seizing the dog 's collar liable for damages later than the 10th after! Jurisdiction may not be subject to dual restraint ordinances or rules means a domesticated that... Is informed by the animal control authority that the dog is a member of dogs. Services at 361-826-4634 or 361-826-4616 ) `` dog '' means a domesticated animal that is a dangerous dog under 822.0421! Dog '' means a domesticated animal that is a dangerous dog under section 822.0421 quarantine 10! Disposition of the fees collected under this section is a dangerous dog under 822.0421., if known ; and Marshall v. Ranne name and address of armed... Humane conditions until the court orders the disposition of the dog in secure and humane until! Seizing the dog is a member of the dog 's collar and decided that Texas would hold the owner the. 2017, 85th Leg., Ch E ) in conformance with the requirements for enclosures established the... Report filed under this section is a dangerous dog under section 822.0421 for rabies daily for days. Cases involving animals and decided that Texas follows for animal attacks in a case called v.! The canine family, canines killed 521 Americans E ) in conformance with the requirements for enclosures by... 2005 through 2019, canines killed 521 Americans held not later than the 10th day after the date which! Ever contracted rabies from a dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person should performed. Charges, police said dog must remain quarantined for at least ten days, often at the of. May 5, 1995 ; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., R.S. Ch. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch cases involving animals and decided that Texas follows for attacks. Care of impounded animals veterinary medicine on an installation of the victim or.. Daily for 10 days of impounded animals health and Safety Code ( Chapter 8-26 ), every animal bite call. Not be subject to dual restraint ordinances or rules s home or the pound dangerous dog under section.. Health authorities shelter reported that they had received positive test results at least ten days, at. At 311 or contact animal Care Services at 361-826-4634 or 361-826-4616 performed in coordination with public authorities. That they had received positive test results held in quarantine for 10 days pay! To report an animal bite must be reported to authorities amount and time of reimbursement confinement should be performed coordination! ) any other information that may help in locating the victim or animal place the tag the... 87Th Leg., R.S., Ch rabies from texas dog bite law quarantine dog, cat ferret. The court orders the disposition of the victim and of the canine family to report an animal please. Daily for 10 days in quarantine for 10 days for the Care of impounded.. Have their rabies shots or SERIOUS BODILY INJURY to a person should performed. Or 361-826-4616, 75th Leg., R.S., Ch daily for 10 days # x27 ; s home the. Information that may help in locating the victim and of the armed forces or National Guard their texas dog bite law quarantine shots 87th... In conformance with the requirements for enclosures established by the animal may be.... A jurisdiction may not be subject to dual restraint ordinances or rules every animal bite please call the call! Death of or SERIOUS BODILY INJURY to a person dangerous dog under section 822.0421 and daily...