G-03-12-04-7B1 - 12/4/2003ORDINANCE NO. a 03
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ANIMAL CONTROL,
CODE OF ORDINANCES (1995 EDITION), CITY OF ROUND
ROCK, TEXAS, CITY; AND PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS
CLAUSE AND REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROUND ROCK,
TEXAS THAT:
I.
Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Round Rock
is hereby amended in its entirety, and shall read as follows:
CHAPTER 2: ANIMAL CONTROL
SECTION 2.100 AUTHORIZATION
SECTION 2.200 PURPOSE AND INTENT
SECTION 2.300 DEFINITIONS
SECTION 2.400 NUISANCES
SECTION 2.500 KEEPING OF EXOTIC ANIMALS
SECTION 2.600 KEEPING OF NUMEROUS ANIMALS
2.601 LIMIT ON NUMBER OF ANIMALS PERMITTED
SECTION 2.700 LIVESTOCK
2.701 KEEPING OF LIVESTOCK
2.702 UNLAWFUL FOR LIVESTOCK TO BE AT LARGE
2.703 IMPOUNDMENT OF LIVESTOCK
2.704 LIABILITY
SECTION 2.800 FOWL
2.801 LIMITATIONS ON NUMBER OF FOWL
SECTION 2.900 EDUCATIONAL EXEMPTION PERMIT
2.901 EXEMPTION FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
2.902 PERMIT
SECTION 2.1000 CARING FOR ANIMALS
2.1001 BASIC CARE FOR ANIMALS
2.1002 SAFETY OF ANIMALS IN PARKED VEHICLES; REMOVAL IF NECESSARY
2.1003 ABANDONMENT OF ANIMALS
2.1004 UNSUPERVISED ANIMALS
2.1005 CAGES, PENS AND ENCLOSURES
(dPFDaktop,ODMA/WORLDOX/0:/WDOX/ORDINANGO3120481. WPD/sls
SECTION 2.1100 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
2.1101 UNLAWFUL ACTIONS
2.1102 POISONOUS SUBSTANCES
2.1103 VIOLATIONS
SECTION 2.1200 SANITATION
2.1201 MAINTAINING SANITARY CONDITIONS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
2.1202 MAINTAINING SANITARY CONDITIONS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
2.1203 MAINTAINING SANITARY CONDITIONS
SECTION 2.1300 LICENSING OF DOGS AND CATS
2.1301 LICENSE REQUIRED
2.1302 APPLICATION
2.1303 PROOF OF RABIES VACCINATION
2.1304 PROOF OF STERILIZATION
2.1305 PAYMENT OF LICENSE FEE
2.1306 EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL
2.1307 EXEMPTION FROM LICENSE FEE
2.1308 ISSUANCE OF LICENSE TAG
2.1309 REQUIREMENT THAT TAGS BE WORN
2.1310 USE OF LICENSE TAGS
2.1311 CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP
2.1312 LOST OR DESTROYED TAGS
SECTION 2.1400 RESTRAINT AND CONFINEMENT - GENERALLY
2.1401 RESTRAINT OF ANIMALS
2.1402 CATS EXEMPT FROM LEASH
2.1403 TYING OR STAKING
2.1404 INVISIBLE AND ELECTRONIC FENCES
2.1405 RESTRAINT OF DOGS
2.1406 PREVENTING AN ANIMAL FROM BECOMING A PUBLIC NUISANCE
2.1407 RESTRAINT WHEN ANIMAL IN HEAT
2.1408 QUARANTINING OF ANIMALS EXPOSED TO RABIES
2.1409 ANIMALS AT FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
2.1410 PROHIBITING DOGS AT SPORTING AND RECREATIONAL EVENTS
SECTION 2.1500 RESTRAINT OF GUARD DOGS
2.1501 CONFINEMENT OF GUARD DOGS
2.1502 AREAS OF CONFINEMENT
2.1503 WARNING SIGN REQUIRED
2.1504 EXEMPTION
SECTION 2.1600 DANGEROUS ANIMALS
2.1601 NUISANCE DECLARED
2.1602 OFFENSE
2.1603 DEFENSES
2.1604 COMPLAINTS
2.1605 INVESTIGATION
2.1606 HEARING
2.1607 LAW ENFORCEMENT DEFENSE
2.1608 OTHER DEFENSES
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SECTION 2.1700 SALE OF ANIMALS
2.1701 COMMERCE IN LIVE ANIMALS
2.1702 CONDITION OF SALE
2.1703 SALE OF DYED ANIMALS
SECTION 2.1800 PROPERTY OWNERS MAY IMPOUND
SECTION 2.1900 IMPOUNDMENT
2.1901 REASONS FOR IMPOUNDMENT
2.1902 ISSUANCE OF NOTICE OR CITATION
2.1903 LENGTH OF IMPOUNDMENT
2.1904 IMPOUNDED ANIMAL BECOMES PROPERTY OF CITY
2.1905 SICK OR INJURED ANIMALS
2.1906 RECLAIMING ANIMALS AND IMPOUNDMENT FEES
2.1907 AUTHORITY TO REQUEST AND ISSUE WARRANTS
SECTION 2.2000 ANIMAL CONTROL ORGANIZATION
2.2001 ESTABLISHMENT
2.2002 SUPERVISOR
SECTION 2.2100 ENFORCEMENT
2.2101 ENFORCEMENT DUTIES
2.2102 INTERFERENCE WITH ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
2.2103 SELF DEFENSE
2.2104 PRIVATE PROPERTY
2.2105 ENTRY AND INSPECTION
SECTION 2.2200 VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
CHAPTER 2
ANIMAL CONTROL
SECTION 2.100 AUTHORIZATION
This Chapter is enacted pursuant to the general police power, the authorities granted to cities and
towns by the Texas State Constitution, and the Local Government Code.
SECTION 2.200 PURPOSE AND INTENT
The purposes of this Chapter are to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the
citizens of the City of Round Rock and to ensure the humane treatment of animals by regulating
the care and control of animals within the City.
SECTION 2.300 DEFINITIONS
When used in this Chapter, the following words, terms, and phrases, and their derivations shall
have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, except where the context clearly indicates a
different meaning:
(1) Animal means any live creature, both domestic and wild, except humans. "Animal"
includes fowl, fish, and reptiles.
(2) Animal Control means the Animal Control Division of the Round Rock Police Department.
(3) Animal control officer means an employee or agent of the City, designated by the Chief
of Police to administer and enforce the licensing, inspection, and enforcement
requirements contained within this Chapter.
(4) Animal hospital means any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed
veterinarian for surgery, diagnosis, and treatment of animal diseases and injuries.
(5) Animal nuisance means any nuisance arising out of the keeping, maintaining or owning
of, or failure to exercise sufficient control of, an animal.
(6) Animal shelter means any facility operated by the City for the temporary care,
confinement and detention of animals and for the humane killing and other disposition of
animals. The term shall also include any private facility authorized by the City to
impound, confine, detain, care for or destroy any animal.
(7) At large means that an animal is (1) on the premises of the owner and is not tied, staked,
or restrained securely within an enclosure or fence capable of fully and totally securing
the animal; or (2) off the premises of the owner, and is not on a leash under the immediate
control of a person physically capable of restraining the animal or is not restrained
securely within an enclosure or fence capable of fully and totally securing the animal.
(8) Cat means any member of the family felis domestica.
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(9) Chief of Police means the Chief of Police of the City of Round Rock or his designee.
(10) Cruelty means any act or omission whereby unjustifiable physical pain, suffering or death
of an animal is caused or permitted, including failure to provide proper drink, air, space,
shelter or protection from the elements, a sanitary and safe living environment, veterinary
care, or nutritious food in sufficient quantity. In the case of activities where physical pain
is necessarily caused, such as in medical and scientific research, food processing,
customary and normal veterinary and agricultural husbandry practices, pest elimination,
and animal training and hunting, "cruelty" shall mean a failure to employ the most
humane method reasonably available.
(11) Dangerous animal means one that has made an unprovoked attack on a human being or
another animal. A dangerous animal does not include guard or attack dogs as defined by
Section 2.300(q), as long as such guard or attack dogs are restrained and confined in
compliance with Section 2.1500 of this Chapter.
(12) Disposition means adoption, quarantine, voluntary or involuntary custodianship or
placement, or euthanasia humanely administered to an animal. "Disposition" includes
placement or sale of an animal to the general public, or removal of animal from any pet
shop to any other location.
(13) Dog means any member of the family canis familiaris.
(14) Domestic animal includes livestock, caged or penned fowl, pigeons, normal household
pets, such as, but not limited to, dogs, cats, cockatiels, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs,
gerbils, rabbits, fish, or small, nonpoisonous reptiles or nonpoisonous snakes.
(15) Exotic or wild animal means any live monkey, alligator, crocodile, cayman, raccoon,
opossum, skunk, fox, wolf, hybrid wolf, sea mammal, bear, poisonous snake, nonhuman
primate, prairie dogs, African Servals, member of the feline species other than domestic
cat (felis domesticus ), member of the canine species other than domestic dog (canis
familiarus) or any other animal that would require a standard of care and control greater
than that required for customary household pets sold by commercial pet shops or livestock.
The term exotic or wild animal does not include domestic cats (excluding hybrids with
ocelots or margays), domestic dogs (excluding hybrids with wolves, coyotes or jackals),
farm animals, rodents, and captive -bred species of common cage birds.
(16) Fowl means any goose, pheasant, chicken, prairie chicken, peacock, guinea, duck, turkey,
and other normally undomesticated fowl.
(17) Guard or attack dog means a dog trained to attack on command or to protect persons or
property, and who will cease to attack upon command.
(18) Impoundment means the taking into custody of an animal by any police officer, animal
control officer, or any authorized representative thereof.
(19) Livestock any horse, stallion, mare, gelding, filly, colt, mule, hinny, jack, jenney, all
species of swine, sheep, goat, llama, all species of cattle, or an emu, ostrich, or rhea.
(20) Muzzle means a device constructed of strong, soft material or of metal, designed to fasten
over the mouth of an animal to prevent the animal from biting any person or other animal.
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(21) Organized sporting or recreational event means any event which is held on a playing field
or other area located at a city -owned park or other city -owned property, and which
requires the participants to obtain prior approval of the Parks and Recreation Department
of the City of Round Rock, Texas for the use of the city -owned park or other property.
(22) Owner means any person or persons, firm, association or corporation, having temporary
or permanent custody of, sheltering or having charge of, harboring, exercising control
over, or having property rights to, any animal covered by this Chapter. An animal shall
be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for three (3) or more consecutive days.
(23) Playing field or area shall mean any portion of a city -owned park or other city -owned
property on which the participants in a sporting or recreational event may engage in an
authorized activity, and includes, but is not limited to, any areas designated for spectators
to view said event, areas where participants may rest while not engaged in said event, and
any area where concession stands are situated.
(24) Public nuisance animal means any animal that unreasonably annoys humans, endangers
the life or health of persons or other animals, or substantially interferes with the rights of
citizens, other than their owners, to enjoyment of life or property. The term "public
nuisance animal" shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) Any animal that is found running at large more than three times in a twelve month
period;
(b) Any dog in a park or public recreation area unless the dog is controlled by a leash
or similar physical restraint;
(c) Any animal that damages, soils, defiles, or defecates on any property other than
that of its owner;
(d) Any animal that makes disturbing noises, including but not limited to, continued
and repeated howling, barking, whining, or other utterances causing unreasonable
annoyance, disturbance, or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity
to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored;
(e) Any animal that causes fouling of the air by noxious or offensive odors and
thereby creates unreasonable annoyance or discomfort to neighbors or others in
close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored;
(t) Any animal in heat that is not confined so as to prevent attraction or contact with
other animals;
(g)
Any animal, whether or not on the property of its owner, that without
provocation, molests, attacks, or otherwise interferes with the freedom of
movement of persons in a public right-of-way;
(h) Any animal that chases motor vehicles in a public right-of-way;
(i) Any animal that attacks a domestic animal;
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(j) Any animal that causes unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings where
that animal is kept or harbored;
(k) Any animal that is offensive or dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare
by virtue of the number of animals maintained at a single residence or the
inadequacy of the facilities.
(25) Riding stable/school or academy means a camp or school where horseback riding is taught
on a regular basis for financial gain.
(26) Sanitary means a condition of good order and cleanliness to minimize the possibility of
disease transmission.
(27) Under restraint means that an animal is secured by a leash, or securely enclosed within
the real property limits of the owner's premises.
SECTION 2.400 NUISANCES
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any animal on any property located within the corporate
limits of the City when the keeping of such animal constitutes a public nuisance or menace to
public health or safety.
SECTION 2.500 KEEPING OF EXOTIC ANIMALS
It shall be unlawful for anyone to own, harbor, maintain, have in their possession, have on their
premises or under their control, or permit at large any exotic or wild animal without the written
permission of the Chief of Police. Such permission shall be given only if it is demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the Chief of Police that the animal will not constitute a threat to public health or
safety. If evidence is presented to the Chief of Police that an exotic or wild animal is constituting
a threat to public health or safety, the Chief shall have the discretion to revoke previously granted
permission to own or keep said animal.
SECTION 2.600 KEEPING OF NUMEROUS ANIMALS
2.601 LIMIT ON NUMBER OF ANIMALS PERMITTED
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep animals within the City of such a number that the
animals constitute a public nuisance or menace to public health or safety.
SECTION 2.700 LIVESTOCK
2.701 KEEPING OF LIVESTOCK
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep livestock within the corporate limits of the City unless
the livestock is being kept in accordance with the following restrictions:
(1) Livestock shall be kept on a parcel of land that is at least one acre in size.
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(2) There shall be no more than one unit (as defined below) of livestock for the first acre of
land. There shall be no more than one additional unit of livestock for each additional one-
half acre of land in the same parcel. For the purpose of this subsection, units of livestock
shall be defined as follows:
(3)
(a) The following types of livestock shall be counted as one head equals one unit:
horse, stallion, mare, gelding, filly, colt, mule, hinny, jack, jenny, llama, and all
species of cattle;
(b)
The following types of livestock shall be counted as one head equals one-half of
a unit: all species of swine; and
(c) The following types of livestock shall be counted as one head equals one-fifth of
a unit: sheep, goat, emu, ostrich and rhea.
No livestock shall be permitted to graze, forage, or otherwise roam within 50 feet of any
dwelling, residence, or structure used for human occupancy (other than the livestock
owner's dwelling or residence).
(4) Barns, stables, corrals, sheds, pens or other similar structure where livestock may be
housed, fed, or confined, or where food for livestock is stored shall not be located within
150 feet of any residence, business or commercial establishment or office (other than the
livestock owner's residence, business or commercial establishment or office), grocery
store, school building, church, hospital, nursing home, or restaurant or other food service
establishment.
(5) Livestock shall be enclosed with adequate fences or barriers that will prevent such
livestock from damaging shrubbery or other property situated on adjacent property. Such
fences or barriers shall be sufficient to prevent the livestock from escaping the enclosure.
(6) The owner keeping any livestock shall keep all yards, barns, pens, stables, sheds or other
enclosures in which such animals are confined in such a manner so as not to give off odors
offensive to persons or ordinary sensibilities in the immediate vicinity, or to breed or
attract flies, mosquitos or other noxious insects or rodents, or in any manner to endanger
the public health, safety, or welfare, or to create a public nuisance.
All yards, barns, pens, stables, sheds or other enclosures in which livestock is confined
shall be of a size to allowed said animals sufficient space to move freely and not endanger
the health, safety, or welfare of the animal or animals.
(7) Subdivisions (1)-(4) above shall not apply to a licensed veterinarian at the veterinarian's
place of business or a riding stable/school or academy.
2.702 UNLAWFUL FOR LIVESTOCK TO BE AT LARGE
It shall be unlawful for any livestock to be at large off the property of the owner of the livestock.
The owner of the livestock found to be at large shall be responsible for the offense and no culpable
mental state is required.
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2.703 IMPOUNDMENT OF LIVESTOCK
Animal control officers are authorized to impound all livestock in violation of Sections 2.701 and
2.702 above, subject to terms and conditions established throughout this Chapter. Livestock will
be held by a private contractor with the owner being responsible for all impound, transportation,
boarding, feeding and any other expenses incurred in impounding the livestock. All fees and
charges must be paid prior to release of the livestock.
2.704 LIABILITY
To insure the public safety and to avoid serious accidents, any livestock that is in danger of getting
on a public roadway will be tranquilized if possible or in extreme cases destroyed by police
officers or animal control officers. If it is necessary to tranquilize or destroy livestock to prevent
property damage or injuries, the City will not be liable for damages to the owners of said
livestock.
SECTION 2.800 FOWL
2.801 LIMITATIONS ON NUMBER OF FOWL
(1)
It shall be unlawful to own or keep fowl within the corporate limits of the City unless the
number is limited and they are kept in enclosed pens as set forth below:
(a) If fowl are confined within an enclosed pen which is located fifty (50) feet or
more from any building or dwelling occupied by any person other than the owner
of the fowl, the number of fowl is limited to no more than ten (10).
(b) If fowl are confined within an enclosed pen which is located less than fifty (50)
feet, but more than twenty-five (25) feet from any building or dwelling occupied
by any person other than the owner of the fowl, the number of fowl is limited to
no more than five (5).
SECTION 2.900 EDUCATIONAL EXEMPTION PERMIT
2.901 EXEMPTION FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
Sections 2.602, 2.701(a) -(d), 2.801 and 2.802 shall not apply to school-age children enrolled in
a public or private school which offers Future Farmers of America (FFA) and/or 4-11 Club
programs in which the class participants are required or allowed to raise project animals for
education, show or profit purposes as long as said children have a valid permit issued below and
in effect at the time.
2.902 PERMIT
(1) In order to qualify for the above exemption, the students are required to:
(a) Apply for an annual FFA/4-H project permit. Said application shall be signed by
the student, the student's parent or guardian, and the student's FFA/4-H
teacher/instructor.
(b) Provide proof of enrollment in one of the listed school programs.
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(c) Provide proof that the animals being kept are an integral part of the students
participation in one of the listed school programs.
(d) Allow inspection by an animal control officer of the pens, cages, or other facilities
and property on which the animals are to be kept before issuance of the permit and
at any reasonable time requested thereafter.
(2) A permit issued under this Section shall be valid only upon the premises identified on the
permit and is nontransferable to any other location or person.
(3) A permit issued under this Section shall expire no later than 12 months from the date of
issuance, no later than the day the qualifying person ceases to be an active member in
good standing with the listed school program or no later than the day said permit is
revoked as provided below, whichever should occur first.
(4) An animal control officer may deny the issuance of a permit or revoke a permit previously
issued based on any one of the following:
(a) False information is provided on the application for the permit.
(b) Two or more convictions for violations of this Chapter by the student or the
student's parent or guardian.
(c) If the animal control officer determines, in the officer's sole judgment, that the
animal(s) cannot be or are not being kept at the location in a manner which does
not create a nuisance, public health hazard or otherwise violate any other
provision of this Chapter.
(d) Graduation of the student from high school or the student otherwise not being
enrolled in good standing in the listed school program.
SECTION 2.1000 CARING FOR ANIMALS
2.1001 BASIC CARE FOR ANIMALS
It shall be unlawful for the owner or custodian of any animal to refuse or fail to provide such
animal with sufficient wholesome and nutritious food, potable water, veterinary care when needed
to prevent suffering, humane care and treatment, or to unnecessarily expose any such animal in
hot, stormy, cold or inclement weather.
2.1002 SAFETY OF ANIMALS IN PARKED VEHICLES: REMOVAL IF NECESSARY
It shall be unlawful to leave any animal in any standing or parked vehicle in such a way as to
endanger the animal's health or safety. Any animal control officer or police officer is authorized
to use reasonable force, including the breaking of a side window, to remove an animal from a
vehicle whenever it appears the animal's health or safety is or soon will be endangered, and said
neglected or endangered animal shall be impounded.
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It shall be unlawful to leave any animal in any standing or parked vehicle unless the animal is
safely enclosed within the vehicle; and if the animal is in a standing or parked unenclosed vehicle
(including, but not limited to convertibles, pick-up trucks, jeeps, and flatbed trucks), the animal
shall be confined by a vented container or cage, or by chain, rope, or other devise cross -tied to
prevent the animal from falling or jumping from the motor vehicle or from strangling on a single
leash.
2.1003 ABANDONMENT OF ANIMALS
It shall be unlawful for any owner or custodian of any animal to willfully abandon such animal on
any street, road, highway or public place, or on private property when not in the care of another
person.
2.1004 UNSUPERVISED ANIMALS
If an Animal Control Officer determines that an animal is or will be without proper care because
of the owner's injury, illness, incarceration or other involuntary absence, the Animal Control
Officer may impound such animal until reclaimed by its owner. The owner is responsible for all
costs associated with the impoundment and must pay all costs before the animal is released. If the
animal is not reclaimed by the owner within 5 days from the date of impoundment, the animal shall
become the property of the City.
2.1005 CAGES, PENS AND ENCLOSURES
Cages, pens and enclosures used to confine animals shall be of sufficient size to maintain all of the
animals within such enclosure comfortably and in good health. Said cages, pens and enclosures
shall be of a proper material to securely contain all of the animals within such enclosures at all
times.
SECTION 2.1100 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
2.1101 UNLAWFUL ACTIONS
It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully or maliciously strike, beat, abuse, or intentionally
run down with a vehicle any animal, or otherwise engage in any act to cause or inflict unnecessary
pain, injury, suffering, or death to such animal; except that reasonable force may be used to drive
away vicious or trespassing animals. It shall be unlawful to tease, annoy, disturb, molest or irritate
an animal that is confined to the owner's premises.
2.1102 POISONOUS SUBSTANCES
It shall be unlawful for any person, except a licensed veterinarian for humanitarian purposes, to
administer poison to any animal, or knowingly leave any poisonous substance of any kind or
ground glass in any place with the intent to injure any animal. The provisions of this Section are
not applicable to licensed exterminators using poisons as part of a pest control program or the use
of commercial insecticides and rodent baits used to control insects and wild rodents.
2.1103 VIOLATION
If any person is found guilty of having violated any part of Section 2.1100 of this Chapter, any
license or permit held by such person under this Chapter shall be automatically revoked.
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SECTION 2.1200 SANITATION
2.1201 MAINTAINING SANITARY CONDITIONS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
It shall be unlawful for any owner or custodian of any animal to cause or allow such animal to soil,
defile or defecate on any public property or upon any street, sidewalk, public way, play area or
common grounds owned jointly by the members of a homeowners or condominium association,
or upon private property other than that of the owner, unless such owner or custodian immediately
removes and disposes of all feces deposited by such animal by the following methods:
(a) Collection of the feces by appropriate implement and placement in a paper or plastic bag
or other container; and
(b)
Removal of such bag or container to the property of the animal owner or custodian and
disposition thereafter in a manner as otherwise may be permitted by law.
2.1202 MAINTAINING SANITARY CONDITIONS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
It shall be unlawful for any person owning, harboring or keeping an animal within the City to
permit any waste matter from the animal to collect and remain on the property of the owner or
custodian, or on the property of others so as to cause or create an unhealthy, unsanitary, dangerous
or offensive living condition on the owner's or custodian's property, or to abutting property of
others.
2.1203 MAINTAINING SANITARY CONDITIONS
It shall be unlawful for any person owning, harboring, keeping, or in charge of any animal to
cause unsanitary dangerous or offensive conditions by virtue of the size or number of animals
maintained at a single location or due to the inadequacy of the facilities.
SECTION 2.1300 LICENSING OF DOGS AND CATS
2.1301 LICENSE REQUIRED
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, or harbor any dog or cat over the age of four (4)
months within the City unless such dog or cat is has been issued a valid, current license by the
licensing authority of Williamson County or Travis County, Texas ("the county").
2.1302 APPLICATION
Application for such license shall be made by the owner to the county within ten (10) days after
acquiring any dog or cat over four (4) months of age or within ten (10) days after a dog or cat
becomes four (4) months of age; provided that any owner moving to the City for the purpose of
establishing residence or becoming a resident as a result of any annexation, and otherwise required
to obtain a license, shall have until ten (10) days after moving or annexation to obtain such a
license.
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2.1303 PROOF OF RABIES VACCINATION REQUIRED
All owners applying for a license must present a written Certificate of Anti -Rabies Vaccination by
a registered veterinarian duly licensed to practice by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical
Examiners, or must otherwise show to the satisfaction of the licensing authority of the county that
the animal for which the license is being obtained has been inoculated against rabies in compliance
with Section 169.29 of the Texas Administrative Code. Said certificate must show the name and
address of the owner of said dog or cat containing a description of the color, breed, sex and weight
of said dog or cat together with the kind and amount of vaccine used and the date of
administration, and certifying that said dog or cat was so vaccinated and immunized against rabies.
It shall be unlawful for a dog or cat to be present in the City and not be vaccinated against rabies.
Every owner of a dog or cat shall furnish proof of rabies vaccination upon request by an Animal
Control Officer. Failure to furnish proof upon request shall create a presumption that the animal
has not be vaccinated for rabies. Additionally, an animal found in violation of Section 2.1309 shall
create a presumption that the animal has not been vaccinated against rabies. The owner of the
animal shall be responsible for the offense and no culpable mental state is required.
2.1304 PROOF OF STERILIZATION
Any owner claiming that his dog or cat has been spayed or neutered must show to the satisfaction
of the licensing authority of the county that such operation has been performed.
2.1305 PAYMENT OF LICENSE FEE
A license fee shall be paid at the time of making application as required by the licensing authority
of the county.
2.1306 EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL
A dog or cat license shall be renewed no later than the date of its expiration.
2.1307 EXEMPTION FROM LICENSE FEE
License fees shall not be required for Seeing Eye dogs, government police dog or dogs belonging
to a nonresident of the City and kept within the boundaries of the City for not longer than ten (10)
days; provided that all dogs of nonresidents shall at the time of entry into the City be properly
vaccinated against rabies, and while kept within the City, meet all other requirements of this
Chapter. Any owner claiming any of these exemptions has the burden of proving to the satisfaction
of the licensing authority that the dog or cat in question is entitled to such exemption.
2.1308 ISSUANCE OF LICENSE TAGS
Upon payment and acceptance of the license fee and proof of rabies vaccination, the licensing
authority of the county shall issue a durable license tag, stamped with the year of issuance and an
identification number for the animal for which the license has been obtained.
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2.1309 REOUIREMENT THAT TAGS BE WORN
It shall be unlawful for any dog for which the owner is required to obtain a license to not wear a
valid license tag at all times, securely attached to a collar around the neck of the dog. Cats are not
required to wear a license tag.
2.1310 USE OF LICENSE TAGS
It shall be unlawful for any person to use a license for any animal other than the animal for which
the license was issued. It shall also be unlawful for any person to remove from the neck of any dog
or cat the license tag issued pursuant to this Section, or alter such tag in any manner.
2.1311 CHANGE OF OWNRESHIP
If there is a change in ownership of a licensed dog or cat, the new owner shall have the license
transferred to his name. Application for such transfer shall be made to the licensing authority of
the county, and be accompanied by the required fee.
2.1312 LOST OR DESTROYED TAGS
If such tag is lost or destroyed, the owner shall apply to the licensing authority of the county for
a new tag by presentation of the applicable vaccination -registration certificate accompanied by the
required fee.
SECTION 2.1400 RESTRAINT AND CONFINEMENT — GENERALLY
2.1401 RESTRAINT OF ANIMALS
It shall be unlawful for any animal to be at large. An owner of an animal found to be at large shall
responsible for the offense and no culpable mental state is required.
2.1402 CATS EXEMPT FROM LEASH
Although cats shall be exempt from any leash requirements, it shall be unlawful for any owner of
a cat to allow said cat to stray onto the property of anyone except the owner. Any cat found
straying onto the property of anyone except the owner shall be deemed a public nuisance and shall
be subject to impoundment.
2.1403 TYING OR STAKING
It shall be unlawful for any animal to be tied or staked upon any open or unfenced lot or land in
a manner which allows the animal to come within ten (10) feet of any street, park or other public
land or within ten (10) feet of any sidewalk, public passageway or building. An animal tied or
staked in violation of this paragraph shall be considered at large in violation of 2.1401.
If an animal is tied or staked, regardless of location, it shall be unlawful for the tie, tether or chain
securing the animal to be less than ten (10) feet in length. If a chain is used, it shall be unlawful
for the chain to weigh more than one-quarter the weight of the animal. It shall be unlawful to tie,
tether, chain, stake or fasten an animal in such a manner as to cause it injury or pain or not permit
it to reach shelter, food or water. The owner of the animal or the person actually tying or staking
the animal shall be responsible for the offense.
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2.1404 INVISIBLE AND ELECTRONIC FENCES
It shall be unlawful to use an invisible or electronic fence as the sole method to restrain an animal
in accordance with this Section unless the following conditions are complied with:
(1) A sign must be posted within restraint area that indicates an animal is being restrained by
an invisible or electronic fence and the type of animal being restrained. This sign must be
clearly visible from the street or other public place outside of the restraint area.
(2) The invisible or electronic fence must be aligned in a manner which does not allow the
animal to come within ten (10) feet of any street, park or other public land or within ten
(10) feet of any sidewalk, public passageway or building.
An animal restrained in violation of this section shall be considered at large in violation of 2.1401.
2.1405 RESTRAINT OF DOGS
Any dog, while on a street, sidewalk, public way or in any park, public square, or other public
space shall be restrained and secured by a leash or chain of sufficient tensile strength to restrain
the particular dog. Said leash or chain shall not be longer than twenty-five (25) feet in a public
park and shall not be longer than six (6) feet on or in any other place. An animal that is not
restrained in compliance with this section shall be considered at large in violation of 2.1401.
2.1406 PREVENTING AN ANIMAL FROM BECOMING A PUBLIC NUISANCE
It shall be unlawful for any owner or custodian of any animal to fail to exercise proper care and
control of such animal to prevent the same from becoming a public nuisance.
2.1407 RESTRAINT WHEN ANIMAL IN HEAT
Every female dog or cat in heat shall be confined in a building or other enclosure in such a manner
that such female dog or cat cannot come into contact with another animal except for planned
breeding.
2.1408 QUARANTINING OF ANIMALS EXPOSED TO RABIES
Any dog or cat that has rabies, or symptoms thereof, or that is suspected of having rabies, or that
has been exposed to rabies, shall be handled in a manner consistent with state law regarding the
disposition of animals exposed to rabies. It shall be unlawful for any owner to fail to comply with
a quarantine requirement or condition, including a home quarantine authorized by an animal
control officer. If an owner fails to comply, in addition to any criminal penalties, the animal shall
be immediately seized and impounded.
2.1409 ANIMALS AT FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
It shall be unlawful for an owner of any animal to allow or permit such animal to enter, be or
remain within any store, restaurant, cafe, shop, building, structure or place where food is offered
for sale, displayed, served or handled for human consumption.
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It shall be unlawful for any manager, clerk, employee, owner or operator of any place where food
is offered for sale, displayed, served or handled for human consumption to allow or permit any
animal to enter, be or remain within said place.
Support animals such as guide dogs that are trained to assist an employee or other person who is
handicapped and patrol dogs accompanying police or security officers shall be exempt from this
subsection.
2.1410 PROHIBITING DOGS AT SPORTING AND RECREATIONAL EVENTS
It shall be unlawful for an owner any of dog to allow said dog to be situated or remain within one -
hundred (100) feet of any playing field or area at a city -owned park or other city -owned property
while an organized sporting or recreational event is in progress on said playing field or area.
Evidence that the dog was restrained by a leash, chain, rope, voice command, cage, or any other
means is no defense to an offense under this section.
SECTION 2.1500 RESTRAINT OF GUARD DOGS
2.1501 CONFINEMENT OF GUARD DOGS
Every owner of a guard or attack dog shall keep such dog confined in a building, compartment or
other enclosure. Any such enclosure shall be completely surrounded by a fence at least six (6) feet
in height and shall be topped with an anti -climbing device constructed of angle metal braces with
at least three (3) strands of equally separated barbed wire stretched between them.
2.1502 AREAS OF CONFINEMENT
All anti -climbing devices shall extend inward at an angle of not less than forty-five (45) degrees
nor more than ninety (90) degrees when measure from the perpendicular. The areas of
confinement shall all have gates and entrances thereto securely closed and locked, and all fences
properly maintained and escape proof.
2.1503 WARNING SIGN REQUIRED
It shall be unlawful for any person to leave any guard or attack dog unattended in any place inside
any building unless a warning sign has been placed in a clearly visible location at the premises,
located so that it can be seen by any person before entering the premises, warning that a guard or
attack dog is present. It shall be unlawful for any person to leave any guard or attack dog
unattended in any place outside a building without a warning sign placed in a clearly visible
location at the premises, located so that it can be seen by any person before entering the place to
which the dog has access, warning that a guard dog or attack dog is present.
2.1504 EXEMPTION
The provisions of this Section shall not apply to dogs owned or controlled by government law
enforcement agencies.
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SECTION 2.1600 DANGEROUS ANIMALS
2.1601 NUISANCE DECLARED
It is hereby declared to be a public nuisance for an owner or other person to harbor, keep, or
maintain a dangerous animal in the City unless the owner complies with the requirements of this
section.
2.1602 OFFENSE
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, or harbor a dangerous animal within the City.
For purposes of this Section, a person is the owner of a dangerous animal when the owner knows
of an unprovoked attack committed by the animal against a person or another animal, or when the
animal has been determined to be dangerous by the Court under this Section or any other court or
determining body.
2.1603 DEFENSES
In response to the determination that an animal is a dangerous animal, it is a defense that:
(a) The threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who at the time was committing
a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the animal;
(b) The person was teasing, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the animal or has, in the past
been observed or reported to have teased, tormented, abused, or assaulted the animal;
(c) The person was committing or attempting to commit a crime;
(d) The animal attacked or killed was at the time teasing, tormenting, abusing or attacking the
alleged dangerous animal;
(e) The animal was protecting or defending a person within immediate vicinity of the animal
from an unjustified attack or assault;
(f) The animal was injured and responding to pain; or
(g)
The animal was protecting its offspring, itself, or its kennelmates.
2.1604 COMPLAINTS
Should any person desire to file a complaint concerning an animal which is believed to be a
dangerous animal, a sworn, written complaint must first be filed with an animal control officer
containing the following information:
(1) Name, address, and telephone number of complainant and other witnesses;
(2) Date, time, and location of any incident involving the animal;
(3) Description of the animal;
(4) Name, address, and telephone number of the animal's owner, if known;
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(5)
A statement describing the facts upon which such complaint is based;
(6) A statement describing any incidents where the animal has exhibited dangerous
propensities in past conduct, if known.
2.1605 INVESTIGATION
After a sworn complaint is filed with the animal control officer, the animal control officer shall
investigate the complaint and if there be sufficient evidence to believe the animal is dangerous, the
animal control officer may file a complaint with the Municipal Court of the City of Round Rock
and request the Judge of the Municipal Court to set a time and place for a hearing for a
determination.
2.1606 HEARING
(1) Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction for the determination of a dangerous animal in a proceeding brough under
this Chapter shall be vested in the Round Rock Municipal Court.
(2) Notice
If a complaint is filed by an animal control officer with the Municipal Court, the clerk of
the court shall set the case for a hearing and shall give notice of the hearing to the owner
of the animal in the complaint by personal service or certified mail, return receipt
requested, a least ten (10) days prior to the hearing date. Personal service may be
completed by the animal control officer.
(3) Impoundment Pending Hearing
If the animal has not already been impounded, the animal control officer shall seize and
impound the animal upon personal service of the notice of hearing on the owner or three
(3) days after the notice of hearing is mailed to the owner by certified mail, return receipt
requested. It shall be unlawful for a person to possess and fail to release to an animal
control officer an animal that has been made the subject of a hearing under this Section.
No person shall be allowed to reclaim the animal while a hearing under this Section is
pending.
(4) Purpose of Hearing
The purpose of the hearing is for the Court to determine if the animal specified in the
complaint is a dangerous animal.
(5) Result of Hearing
(a) If the Court finds that the animal is a dangerous animal:
(i) the Court shall order that the animal be destroyed or permanently
removed from the City, based on the least restrictive means necessary to
protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the community according
to all of the evidence presented.
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(ii) if the owner is not present at the hearing, the clerk shall notify the owner
of that decision as well as the ordered disposition of the animal by
personal service or certified mail, return receipt requested. Personal
service may be completed by the animal control officer.
(iii) the Court shall order that the owner of the animal pay any fees due for the
impoundment of the animal within 30 days of the order.
(iv) if the Court orders the removal of the animal from the City, the owner
shall have five (5) days from the date of the order to remove the animal.
The owner must provide proof of the removal to the Court within five (5)
days after the deadline to remove. If adequate proof is not provided to the
Court within the required time, an animal control officer shall investigate
and if the animal is found within the City, the animal control officer shall
be authorized to immediately seize and impound the animal. Upon
impoundment of such animal, the animal becomes the property of the City
and it shall be humanely destroyed. If the animal has been previously
removed from the City or is not present in the City on the date of the
hearing, the Court shall order that animal shall be permanently banned
from the City and not be allowed to return.
(v) if the Court orders the destruction of the animal, the clerk or the animal
control officer shall notify the facility where the animal is kept.
(b) If the Court finds that the animal is not a dangerous animal, the animal shall be
released to the owner upon payment by the owner of any fees due.
(6) Unlawful to Disobey Court Order
It shall be unlawful for a person to possess and fail to release an animal that has been
ordered destroyed or removed by the Court to an animal control officer.
2.1607 LAW ENFORCEMENT DEFENSE
It is a defense to enforcement under this Section that the person is an employee of the institutional
division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or of a law enforcement agency and trains
or uses dogs for law enforcement or corrections purposes; provided however, that for any person
to qualify for this defense, that person must be acting within the course and scope of his or her
official duties as regards to the dangerous animal.
2.1608 OTHER DEFENSES
It is a defense to enforcement under this Section that the person is a veterinarian, a peace officer,
a person employed by a recognized animal shelter or 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 animal; provided however, that for any person to qualify for this defense, that person must
be acting within the course and scope of his or her official duties as regards to the dangerous
animal.
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SECTION 2.1700 SALE OF ANIMALS
2.1701 COMMERCE IN LIVE ANIMALS
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, trade, barter, lease, rent, give away or display for
commercial purposes a live animal on a roadside, public right of way, sidewalk, street, parkway
or any other public property or any property dedicated to public use, a commercial parking lot,
or at an outdoor special sale, swap meet, flea market, parking lot sale or similar event. This
Section does not apply to a sale held on privately owned property with the written permission of
the owner of the property or a parking lot where the seller has the parking lot owner's written
permission.
2.1702 CONDITION OF SALE
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, trade, barter, lease, rent, give away or display for
commercial purposes an animal that is kept in a cage or pen of any type unless the following
conditions are met:
(a) The cage or pen must be large enough for the animal to stand on all of its legs and hold
its head in a natural position and not be in a crouched position. The cage or pen must also
have enough room for the animal to turn around or move without stepping on another
animal, animal feces or food or water provided for the animal.
(b) The cage or pen must have water and food contained therein or have water and food
situated so that the animal has access to it through the cage or pen.
(c) The cage or pen must be situated so that air may circulate through it, so that any animal
kept therein is not exposed to extreme heat. During cold or inclement weather, cages or
pens shall be situated so that animals contained therein shall stay warm and dry.
2.1703 SALE OF DYED ANIMALS
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, raffle, offer or give as a prize, premium
or advertising devise, give away or display any animal that has been dyed or otherwise artificially
colored.
SECTION 2.1800 PROPERTY OWNERS MAY IMPOUND
Any person finding an animal at large upon his property may remove the same to any animal
shelter that will take possession of the animal. If no such shelter is available, the property owner
may hold the animal in his own possession, and as soon as possible, notify Animal Control. The
property owner shall provide a description of the animal and the name of the owner if known.
Animal Control shall dispatch an animal control officer to take possession of the animal.
SECTION 2.1900 IMPOUNDMENT
2.1901 REASONS FOR IMPOUNDMENT
In addition to any other remedies provided in this Chapter, an animal control officer or a police
officer may seize, impound, and humanely confine to an animal shelter or hospital any of the
following animals:
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(1) Any dog or cat without a valid license tag;
(2) Any animal at large;
(3) Any animal constituting a public nuisance or considered a danger to the public;
(4) Any animal that is in violation of any quarantine or confinement order of the City's chief
health officer;
(5) Any unattended animal that is ill, injured, or otherwise in need of care;
(6) Any animal that is reasonably believed to have been abused or neglected;
(7) Any animal that is reasonably suspected of having rabies;
(8) Any animal that is charged with being potentially dangerous, or dangerous where an
animal control officer determines that there is a threat to public health and safety;
(9) Any animal that a court of competent jurisdiction has ordered impounded or destroyed;
(10) Any animal that is considered unattended or abandoned, as in situations where the owner
is deceased, has been arrested or evicted from his regular place of residence.
(11) Any exotic or wild animal that is kept illegally.
(12) Any animal that is in violation of this Chapter or whose owner is in violation of this
Chapter.
2.1902 ISSUANCE OF NOTICE OR CITATION
In addition to, or in lieu of, impounding an animal found at large, an animal control officer or a
police officer may issue to the known owner of such animal a citation for a violation of this
Chapter.
2.1903 LENGTH OF IMPOUNDMENT
Except as provided in Sections 2.1000 and 2.1600, the City shall keep licensed dogs and cats
impounded for not fewer than seven (7) business days and unlicensed impounded animals for a
minimum of seventy-two (72) hours, before disposing of said dog or cat without the consent of the
owner.
2.1904 IMPOUNDED ANIMAL BECOMES PROPERTY OF CITY
Any animal impounded in the animal shelter for a period exceeding the times laid out in this
Chapter shall become the property of the local government authority and shall be placed for
adoption or humanely euthanized. Any livestock kept over 72 hours may be sold or auctioned to
cover the costs of impoundment and boarding.
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2.1905 SICK OR INJURED ANIMALS
When an animal is not wearing a tag of any kind so that the rightful owner cannot be notified of
their animals' injuries, obviously sick or injured animals may be humanely euthanized.
2.1906 RECLAIMING ANIMALS AND IMPOUNDMENT FEES
An owner reclaiming an impounded animal shall pay all impounding fees, vaccination fees, and
boarding fees for animals before they shall be returned to the owner.
2.1907 AUTHORITY TO REQUEST AND ISSUE WARRANTS
An animal control officer or peace officer may apply for and obtain a warrant or other legal
writ from the municipal judge or justice court to seize any animal alleged to be in violation of this
Chapter. The municipal judge or justice of the peace shall have the authority to issue such
warrant.
SECTION 2.2000 ANIMAL CONTROL ORGANIZATION
2.2001 ESTABLISHMENT
The Chief of Police shall appoint an animal control officer and such assistants as may be required
to enforce this Chapter.
2.2002 SUPERVISOR
The supervisor of animal control is hereby designated as the Local Health Authority for the
purposes of Chapter 826, Health and Safety Code, V.T.C.A., (Rabies Control Act of 1982) and
shall be responsible for performing duties and responsibilities provided herein.
SECTION 2.2100 ENFORCEMENT
2.2101 ENFORCEMENT DUTIES
Animal control officers or other designees of the Chief of Police shall be the enforcement officials
for this Chapter. These officials, along with police officers, shall have the authority to act on
behalf of the City and Animal Control in investigating complaints, impounding and destroying
animals, issuing citations, and taking other lawful actions as required to enforce the provisions of
this Chapter.
2.2102 INTERFERENCE WITH ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with any animal control officer or other
enforcement official in the performance of his duties.
2.2103 SELF DEFENSE
Upon attack by an animal, an animal control officer can defend him or her self or a complainant,
at his or her discretion, taking such means as he or she deems necessary in that situation.
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2.2104 PRIVATE PROPERTY
For purposes of discharging the duties imposed by this Chapter, and to enforce the same, an
animal control officer or other authorized representative may enter upon private property to the
full extent permitted by law, which shall include but not be limited to entry upon private property
when in pursuit of any animal which he or she has reason to believe is subject to impoundment
pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter or other applicable laws. An animal control officer shall
have the right to pursue and apprehend an animal which is at large or a free roaming cat onto
private property without first requesting permission from the owner of the property before entering
the property or without obtaining a search warrant.
2.2105 ENTRY AND INSPECTION
Whenever it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of or to perform
any duty imposed by this Chapter or other applicable law regarding animals or whenever an
Animal Control Officer has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building, structure
or upon any premises any violations of this Chapter or other applicable law, the Officer is hereby
authorized to enter such property at any reasonable time and to inspect the same and to perform
any duty imposed upon the Officer by this Chapter or other applicable law, provided that if such
property be occupied, the Officer shall first present proper credentials to the occupant and request
to enter explaining the reason therefore and obtain permission from said occupant.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Officer has reasonable cause to believe that the keeping or
the maintaining of any animal is so hazardous, unsafe or dangerous as to require immediate
inspection to safeguard the animal or the public health or safety, the Officer shall have the right
to immediately enter and make such inspection, whether or not permission to inspect has been
obtained. If the property is occupied, the Officer shall first present proper credentials to the
occupant and demand entry, explaining the reasons therefore and the purpose of inspection.
Whenever an Animal Control Officer is denied admission to inspect any premises under this
Chapter and the Officer cannot determine whether violations exists on the premises, the Animal
Control Officer is authorized to request a warrant for the inspection of the premises from the
municipal judge, a magistrate, or justice court to enter and inspect the premises.
SECTION 2.2200 VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
2004.
It shall be a violation of the Chapter to:
(1) Fail to comply with any provision of this Chapter;
(2) Fail to comply with any lawful order of Animal Control, an animal control officer, or
police officer unless such order is lawfully stayed or reversed.
II.
A. The effective date of this ordinance shall be February 1,
23
B. All ordinances, parts of ordinances, or resolutions in
conflict herewith are expressly repealed.
C. The invalidity of any section or provision of this
ordinance shall not invalidate other sections or provisions
thereof.
D. The City Council hereby finds and declares that written
notice of the date, hour, place and subject of the meeting at which
this Ordinance was adopted was posted and that such meeting was
open to the public as required by law at all times during which
this Ordinance and the subject matter hereof were discussed,
considered and formally acted upon, all as required by the Open
Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as amended.
first reading this the (51) day of
READ and APPROVED on
A-) — day of
, 2003.
.thREAD, APPROVED and ADOPTED on second reading this the
, 2003.
ATT
NY
1 , E , Mayo
Cft AOTf Round Rock, Texas
CHRISTINE R. MARTINEZ, City Secretary
24
DATE: November 25, 2003
SUBJECT: City Council Meeting - December 4, 2003
ITEM: *7.B.1. Consider an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Animal Control, of the
Round Rock Code of Ordinances (1995 Edition). (Second Reading)
Resource: Paul Conner, Police Chief
Dean Friedrich, Police Department
History: The Police Department has been working on an update to the City's existing
animal control ordinance for more than a year. The current ordinance does little to
help citizens with neighbors who are irresponsible pet owners. Problems include
"backyard breeders" causing noise and odor complaints; dogs, sometimes in
packs, running at large attacking people; and people who own multiple
unvaccinated, un -spayed or un -neutered cats that can spread disease and
contribute to our overpopulation of feral cats.
From this summer through October, a series of public meetings were conducted
with residents to discuss these problems and possible solutions. Input gained
from these meetings was used to produce a final set of proposed changes. The
proposed ordinance changes place limits on the number of fowl that may be kept
within city limits, and the numbers of other allowable livestock are more clearly
defined. In addition, these changes clarify the leash law (particularly regarding
tied -out animals) as well as sanitation, noise, cruelty, animal care/safety, and
dangerous animal provisions. The proposed changes also update the ordinance to
reflect changes in Texas law.
Funding:
Cost: N/A
Source of Funds: N/A
Outside Resource: N/A
Impact/Benefit: Adopting the proposed ordinance changes will reflect changes in state law
and allow the City to better address situations resulting from irresponsible
pet ownership. These changes will also improve the Police Department
Animal Control Unit's ability to perform its functions.
Public Comment: Several public meetings through October 21, 2003.
Sponsor: N/A