Item 7C MemoCITY OF
SOUTH LAKE
MEMORANDUM
January 17, 2014
To: Shana K. Yelverton, City Manager
From: Stephen Mylett — Chief of Police
Subject: Item 7C - Ordinance 1069 — 1st Reading, Amendment to the Southlake
Code of Ordinance, Chapter 4 "Animals", Article I, II, III
Action
Requested: Consider an ordinance amending the City of Southlake Code of
Ordinances by amending Chapter 4, Animals by deleting Chapter 4, in its
entirety and adding a new Chapter 4, providing a severability clause;
providing a penalty; authorizing publication; and establishing an effective
date.
Background
Information: The purpose of this item is to consider amending the Southlake Code of
Ordinances pertaining to animals, fowl, insects, and reptiles with related
fee schedule to provide clear guidelines for issues related to the keeping
of animals, fowl, insects, and reptiles including prohibitions regarding
certain practices.
In October, 2012, the cities of Colleyville, Keller and Southlake entered
into an agreement to consolidate animal control services. The City of
Keller was designated as the provider of Animal Control Services for the
three cities to include the construction of an Animal Adoption Center.
Throughout the process of consolidating animal control services, the
Chiefs of Police from Colleyville, Keller and Southlake, and other
stakeholders, agreed, in principle, that it would be prudent and wise to
create a "base" regional ordinance to address relevant animal control
issues that are applicable to each city. Over a 12 month period several
draft ordinances were considered. Many revisions were made to the draft
ordinances and the result is a modern animal control ordinance that
provides clear language related to issues involving the keeping of
animals, fowl, insects and reptiles and related prohibitions of such.
The City of Southlake's Animal Control Ordinance was reviewed and
updated to align with current State statutes relating to animals, fowl,
insects and reptiles. This ordinance review is timely due to the
regionalization of Animal Services with Colleyville and Keller as well as
the upcoming expansion of the Animal Adoption Center.
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iew of the current ordinance
Section 4 of Southlake Code of Ordinances addresses issues related
to the care and control of animals and prohibitions involving animals.
The last comprehensive revision made to the animal ordinance was in
July 1996, except Article III Dangerous Dogs and Animals was
adopted in December, 2002.
The current ordinance contains language that is no longer applicable
to general animal control operations.
Reason for Considering a Change to the Ordinance
Revising the current animal control ordinance will establish clear
guidelines relating to the care, control and maintenance of animals and
issues related to order maintenance. The current language in the animal
control ordinance is outdated and does not reflect current operations
related to animal control matters. The revised ordinance will provide the
residents of Southlake with a modern set of regulations and guidelines
based on State law and best practices. The proposed ordinance captures
many of the legal mandates enumerated in Southlake's current animal
ordinance. Establishing a single animal ordinance for the three partner
municipalities will allow for equitable enforcement of the law by animal
control officers that is effective and less confusing for officers and
residents alike.
The current ordinance is sectioned under three (3) articles with
accompanying sub -divisions. As such, the current ordinance is difficult to
read and can be frustrating for citizens seeking information pertaining to
animal control matters. If adopted, this ordinance will create a single and
all-inclusive document that is easy to navigate.
Southlake Specific Sections in Proposed Ordinance
The majority of the language contained within this proposed ordinance
will also appear in the Animal, Fowl, Insects, and Reptiles ordinances for
the cities of Colleyville and Keller; however, there are a few exceptions:
Colleyville and Keller will limit the combined number of dogs and cats
per household to four (4). Southlake will continue to limit the
combined number of dogs and cats per household to four (4) with the
provision that the number will increase to six (6) combined cats and
dogs for residents who reside on an acre or more of property.
Keller will adopt restrictions related to the keeping of fowl and guinea
pigs based on the size of a single family dwelling and limiting the
number of combined fowl to 12 (not including rabbits). Southlake will
continue to limit the number of combined fowl, rabbits, and guinea
pigs to six (6). Colleyville is reviewing the matter.
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• Southlake will include in its ordinance language which currently
appears in Article II Sec. 4-32 (Animal establishment permits) and, in
part, Sec. 4-33 (Animal shelters) of the Southlake Code of Ordinances
Chapter 4: Animals. This language will not appear in the Colleyville or
Keller ordinance.
Citizen Input/
Board Review: A SPIN meeting was held on August 12, 2013. The partner cities have
reviewed the regional ordinance and will be presenting to their respective
City Council for consideration.
Legal Review: The City Attorney has been involved in this ordinance revision.
Council Action: TBD
Attachment: Draft — Part II — City Code - Chapter 4 — Animals, Fowls, Insects and
Reptiles (Animal Control Ordinance)
ORDINANCE NO. 1069
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCES NO. 530A and 530B, AS
AMENDED, THE "ANIMALS" ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS; BY ADDING PROVISIONS TO CHAPTER 4
AND ELIMINATING ARTICLES I, II, III; PROVIDING THAT THIS
ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A
PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS HEREOF; PROVIDING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN PAMPHLET FORM;
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Southlake, Texas is a home rule city acting under its charter
adopted by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution and
Chapter 9 of the Local Government Code; and
WHEREAS, the city has adopted Ordinance No. 1069 as the Animals, Fowl, Insects,
and Reptiles Ordinance for the city; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is appropriate and in the best
interest of the city to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its residents by
repealing Ordinance No. 530A and 530B as provided herein; and
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WHEREAS, the City Council has given published notice and held public hearings with
respect to the amendment of the Southlake Code Ordinance as required by law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS:
SECTION 1
Chapter 4 of the Southlake Code of Ordinance No. 1069, as amended, is hereby amended by
adding the following:
Chapter 4 - ANIMALS, FOWL, INSECTS AND REPTILES
Sec. 4-100. - Definitions.
The following words and phrases, for the purpose of this chapter, shall have the following
meanings:
Adequate fencing. A fence which contains livestock or any other animal upon the owner's or
occupier's property and prevents same from escaping.
Animal. Unless otherwise stated, includes any living creature including, but not limited to, dogs,
cats, cows, horses, birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, insects, fowl and livestock, but specifically
excluding human beings.
Animal control authority. Means a municipal or county animal control officer with authority over
the area in which the dog is kept or the county sheriff in an area that does not have an animal
control office.
Animal control officer. The person or persons designated by the chief of police to represent and
act for the city in the impoundment of animals, controlling of stray animals and as otherwise
required in this chapter.
Animal shelter. Colleyville, Keller, Southlake Regional Animal Services and Adoption Center
At large. An animal that is not confined to the premises of its owner by a containment device of
sufficient strength and/or height to prevent an animal from escaping therefrom, inside the house
or other enclosure, or secured on said premises by a leash of sufficient strength to prevent the
animal from escaping from said premises, and so arranged that the animal will remain upon said
premises when the leash is stretched to full length in any direction. An animal shall not be
considered "at large" when held and controlled by some person by means of a leash or chain of
proper strength and length to control the action of the animal or while confined within a vehicle.
Auction. Any place or facility where animals are bought, sold or traded, except for those facilities
otherwise defined in this chapter. This definition does not apply to individual sales of animals by
owners.
Cats. The word "cats" when used herein shall mean cats of all ages, both male and female.
Dangerous Animal. (A) makes an unprovoked attack on a person or animal that causes bodily
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injury and occurs in a place other than an enclosure in which the animal was being kept and that
was reasonably certain to prevent the animal from leaving the enclosure on its own; or
(B) commits unprovoked acts in a place other than an enclosure in which the animal was being
kept and that was reasonably certain to prevent the animal from leaving the enclosure on its
own and those acts cause a person to reasonably believe that the animal will attack and cause
bodily injury to that person.
Dogs. The word "dogs" when used herein shall mean dogs of all ages, both male and female.
Collar. Any neck restraint constructed of nylon, leather, or similar material, specifically designed
to be used for an animal.
Custodian. A person or agency which feeds, shelters, harbors, owns, has possession or control
of, or has the responsibility to control an animal.
Fowl. Chickens, turkeys, pheasant, peacocks, quail, geese, ducks or similar feathered animals,
regardless of age, sex or breed.
Livestock. Horses, mules, donkeys, cattle, goats, sheep, Asian pot bellied pigs, swine,
ostriches, emus and llamas, regardless of age, sex or breed.
Local rabies control authority (LRCA). The officer designated by the municipal or county
governing body under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §826.017.
Nuisance. Whatever is dangerous to human life or health. Whatever renders the ground, the
water, the air or food, a hazard or injury to human life or health or that is or threatens to become
detrimental to the public health, or contributes to urban blight or decay.
Owner. Any person who has care, custody, and control of any animal, harbors or keeps any
animal in his possession, or who permits any animal to remain on or about his premises.
Pet shop. Any person, partnership or corporation, whether operated separately or in connection
with another business enterprise except a licensed kennel, that buys, sells or boards any
species of pets.
Possession. Actual care, custody, control or management of a certain animal.
Premises. 1. A parcel of land (one (1) or more contiguous lots) owned, leased or controlled by
one (1) or more persons; or 2. A building or part of a building.
Prohibited animals or hazardous animal. Any animal not normally considered domesticated and
capable of (or inclined to do) serious bodily harm to humans or other animals or fowl as
determined by the City. These animals include (but are not limited to) any venomous lizard or
snake, boa constrictor, python, emperor scorpion, bat, raccoon, skunk, fox, bear, elephant,
kangaroo, non -human primate, including monkey and chimpanzee, antelope, deer, wolf or wolf -
hybrid, lion, tiger, ocelot, bobcat or any other large cat, alligator, crocodile, feral swine, and their
allies.
Exotic animals. Any animal not normally considered domesticated including, but not limited to,
nonvenomous snakes, nonvenomous lizards, or any other wild animal not capable of doing
serious bodily harm to humans as determined by the City.
Secure enclosure. Means a fenced area or structure that is:
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(1) Locked;
(2) Capable of preventing the entry of the general public, including children;
(3) Capable of preventing the escape or release of the animal; and
(4) Clearly marked as containing a dangerous animal.
Properly fitted. With respect to a collar, a collar that measures the circumference of a dog's neck
plus approximately one inch.
Restraint. A chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device that attaches a dog to a stationary
objector trolley system.
Stray Animal. An animal which is not on a leash or enclosed in a fenced yard.
Vaccination. An injection of any vaccine for rabies approved by the state veterinarian and
administered or supervised by a licensed veterinarian.
Sec. 4-110. - Animals in residential areas; limitations.
(a) The owner and any person having control over any animal or fowl shall keep the
same confined within a building or adequate fencing at all times.
(b) It shall be unlawful to permit any animal to:
(1) Roam, wander upon or remain upon any public property or street, while
unattended by the owner or person having control; or
(2) Go upon or remain upon any private property without the consent of the
owner of the property.
(c) Any owner or person having control of any animal or fowl shall keep all hay, grain
and feed used in connection with the maintenance thereof enclosed in such manner
that the same is not accessible to rats, flies, mosquitoes or other rodents or insects.
Sec. 4-120. - Vaccination required before license issued.
(a) All dogs and cats within the city, four (4) months of age or older, shall be licensed yearly;
however, before the license shall be issued, the owner of the dog or cat must present to the
Animal Shelter a certificate from a licensed veterinarian showing that said dog or cat has been
vaccinated within the preceding twelve (12) months with a one-year serum, or within the
preceding thirty-six months with a three-year serum. Such vaccination certificate shall reflect the
name of the owner, his address, a description of the dog or cat, the date of the vaccination, the
number of the vaccination tag, and the kind of vaccination used. The veterinarian shall provide
the owner with a metal tag, on one (1) side of which is stamped the words "Vaccinated Against
Rabies", the date of the vaccination, veterinarian, business name, and control number. This tag
shall be securely attached to the collar or harness of the dog or cat at all times, and will aid in
the identification of the animal.
(b) To aid in identification of the pet owner and return of the animal in the event of
impoundment, all dogs and cats must be licensed and registered with the city. Upon
presentation of a certificate of vaccination and a completed application for a license to the
Animal Shelter, an animal control officer will file the application and certificate for retention by
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the animal control officer and issue the owner of the dog or cat a metal city tag to be securely
attached to the collar or harness of the dog or cat. The tag must be worn at all times. If the
original current registration tag is lost or destroyed, the owner must obtain a duplicate by paying
a fee. Registration shall be renewed annually. If there is a change in ownership, the new owner
shall have the registration transferred to his name within ten (10) days. All fees for registration,
duplicate tags, and registration transfer shall be the fees designated by the City of Keller fee
ordinance.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person within the city to own, keep, possess, harbor, or allow to
remain upon the premises under his control any dog or cat without having proof that such
animal is immunized against rabies as required by this section.
(d) This section shall not apply to fish, birds, ungulates, or any of the following list of animals:
hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, mice, gerbils, or any animal other than a dog or cat which in
the opinion of the licensed veterinarian would be endangered by rabies vaccination.
Sec. 4-130. - Animals running at large.
Any person owning, possessing or keeping an animal or animals within the city, whether
vaccinated or unvaccinated, licensed or unlicensed, shall not allow such animal or animals to be
at large within the city limits of the City of Southlake.
Sec. 4-140. - Impounding of animals.
The animal control officer shall take into custody any domestic animal found at large in the city,
and shall impound the animal in the Animal Shelter. Such impounded animal shall be held for a
period of three (3) days, and at the end of that time, if the animal has not been redeemed, and
the proper fee paid as described herein, the animal may be adopted or disposed of in a humane
and proper method. Every reasonable effort by the animal control officer, to include but not
limited to, contacting the animal owner by telephone, email, or any other available means of
contact will be made in an effort to contact the owner of an impounded animal.
Sec. 4-150. - Authority to kill, impound or destroy animals.
The animal control officer shall have the authority to do the following:
(a) Kill an animal which poses an imminent danger to a person or property and a real or
apparent necessity exists for the destruction of the animal.
(b) Impound an animal which is diseased and endangers the health and welfare of
another animal or person.
(c) Destroy an impounded animal if the animal control officer determines that recovery of
the animal is doubtful due to injury or disease.
Sec. 4-160. - Impoundment fees; dog or cat.
(a) The owner of an impounded animal shall pay a fee to redeem such animal from the
city. The fee is designated within fee schedule.
(b) Any person claiming a dog or cat that has not been vaccinated or fails to have proof
of vaccination within the last year may be cited for failing to vaccinate under Sec. 4-120
of this Code of Ordinance. Before the release of the dog or cat, the owner shall sign a
promise in writing that the dog or cat will be vaccinated for rabies immediately upon
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release from the Animal Shelter. The animal control officer shall keep such statement
on file until receiving proof of vaccination.
(c) If an owner does not redeem an animal within the time period set forth in Section 4-
140, the animal shall be subject to adoption or other disposition. Any animal that is
subject to adoption shall meet all the procedures set forth in Section 4-180, including
payment of fees, vaccination, and alteration by spaying or neutering, as required.
Sec. 4-162 Prohibited animals or hazardous animal
(a) No person or entity shall be allowed to keep, display, or exhibit any prohibited animal or
hazardous animal within the city, or allow such activity to occur, except as provided by
this section.
(b) A temporary permit may be issued to temporarily house and display a prohibited animal
or hazardous animal for educational purposes, provided the following conditions are met:
(c) No person or entity shall be allowed to keep, display, or exhibit any prohibited animal or
hazardous animal without first registering the animal with the animal control authority.
(1) Application
a. Deadline. An application for that purpose must be submitted to the
animal control authority no less than ten (10) working days prior to the
intended time for the exhibit;
b. Contents of application. The application form shall include the name,
address and telephone number(s) of the applicant; the applicant's
ownership interest in the animal and the educational display or program;
the proposed location and duration of the educational display or program
and the name, address and telephone number(s) of the owner or lessee
of that location; a general description of the animal, including age, date -of
birth if known, the classification of the animal, and a description of the
confinement plan; and any information about the vicious or dangerous
propensities of such animal, including any prior history of any incidents;
and a description of the exhibit or program, including any confinement
plan and housing arrangements for the animal.
(2) Insurance. Applicant must have liability insurance and must provide proof of
liability insurance coverage or financial responsibility in an amount of at least
$250,000, which amount may be increased if needed to cover damages, injury,
or death resulting from the animal(s) to be in effect during the duration of the
temporary permit.
(3) Approval. Approval of the application for a temporary permit is within the sole
discretion of the City Manager or designee.
(4) Terms of permit. The applicant must abide by all terms of the permit
(5) Revocation of permit. The permit may be revoked if it is determined that the
applicant did not fully and truthfully disclose all required information, or if the
applicant does not abide by the terms of the temporary permit, or if it is
reasonably necessary to protect against an immediate threat or danger to the
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public health or safety.
Sec. 4-165. - Impoundment fees for livestock, fowl or prohibited animals.
The owner of any impounded livestock, fowl or prohibited animal shall pay whatever fee as may
be charged by Tarrant County in order to redeem such animal from the county.
Sec. 4-170. - Euthanasia.
If the lawful owner of animal requests euthanasia, the owner must first sign the required forms
before destruction.
Sec. 4-175. - Deadly force.
Deadly force may be used against any animal presenting an imminent risk of death or serious
bodily injury. Usage of non -deadly force methods to control an animal, such as apprehension or
tranquilizing, shall not be required if such methods would add to or prolong the risk of death or
serious bodily injury to persons or animals.
Sec. 4-180. - Adoption.
A person who desires to adopt an animal from the Animal Shelter shall:
(1) Pay an adoption and alteration fee as designated in Appendix A; and
(2) Pay any license fee if required; and
(3) Have the animal vaccinated for rabies, (when required) within five (5) days after
adoption; and
(3) Have the animal spayed or neutered within fourteen (14) days after adoption,
providing the animal is of the proper age for such procedure; and
(5) Any person desiring adoption shall also sign a promise in writing that the animal will
be vaccinated and spayed or neutered within the time periods as outlined in subsections
(3) and (4).
The animal control officer shall make the final determination whether an animal is healthy
enough for adoption. However, such a decision by the animal control officer to permit adoption
of a particular animal shall not constitute a warranty, expressed or implied, of the health or age
of the animal.
Sec. 4-190. - Report of rabies cases required; confinement of dog, cat or other animal.
(a) It shall be the duty of the owner, custodian or veterinarian to report to the Colleyville, Keller,
Southlake Regional Animal Services all cases of rabies or suspected rabies which the owner,
custodian or veterinarian knows or should know. Any animal that has or is suspected of having
rabies, that has symptoms of rabies, has been exposed to rabies or some other facts suggest
that rabies is a concern in regard to the animal shall be quarantined as required by law and
direction of the designated LRCA for Colleyville, Keller, Southlake Regional Animal Services
Sec. 4-200. - Confinement required of a dog, cat or other animal that has bitten a person.
(a) When an animal has bitten, scratched or otherwise attacked a person, that person or
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anyone having knowledge of such incident, shall immediately notify the Colleyville,
Keller, Southlake Regional Animal Services, and such animal shall be confined in the
Animal Shelter or at a veterinary hospital for a period of not less than ten (10) nor
more than thirty (30) days, as specified by Colleyville, Keller, Southlake Animal
Services.
(b) If, after the confinement period, the owner fails to pick up the animal, the owner may
be informally given a courtesy notice by the City by telephone or email and shall be
formally notified by the City by either certified mail, personal delivery, or other
method designed to provide notice to the owner as well as proof of such notice. The
owner may be granted five (5) additional days to pick up the animal at a charge as
indicated in the fee schedule. Five days after the end of the confinement period, if
the animal is not picked up by the owner, the Animal Control Officer may place the
animal for adoption or other form of disposition of the animal, pursuant to the terms
of this Chapter.
(c) At the option of the Animal Control Officer, and if all conditions of state law, as
currently exist or as may be amended, and regulations are met, the Animal Control
Officer may allow for home quarantine, so long as all conditions required by the
Animal Control Officer are met. If all conditions are not met, the Animal Control
Officer may require that the animal be brought to the Animal Shelter or a veterinarian
for the remainder of the quarantine period.
Sec. 4-210. - Quarantine fee.
The owner of any dog, cat or other animal held in quarantine for observation purposes shall be
charged a quarantine fee as designated in the fee ordinance. This fee is in addition to any
impoundment fee(s).
Sec. 4-220. - Dangerous animals; procedures and hearing.
(a) Report of attack. The animal control department may receive a report concerning a dog or
animal, which has bitten or attacked a human or animal. A complainant, who wishes the matter
be heard, must file with the Southlake Municipal Court, a written sworn complaint that must
contain the following known information:
(1) Name, address, and telephone number of the complainant and any other witnesses;
(2) Date, time and location of incident(s);
(3) A complete description of the dog or animal (breed, if known, as well as color and
size);
(4) Name, address and telephone numbers of owners, if known, or the premises where
the dog or animal is located;
(5) A statement that the dog or animal has bit or attacked a person or animal;
(6) A statement that the dog or animal has exhibited vicious propensities in its past
conduct; and
(7) Any other facts and circumstances relating to the incident.
(b) Procedure after complaint is filed: After a sworn affidavit (complaint) is filed, Colleyville,
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Keller, Southlake Regional Animal Services shall investigate the complaint to determine if the
dog or animal is dangerous.
(1) Animal Service Findings. Colleyville, Keller, Southlake Regional Animal Services shall make
a finding regarding whether or not the dog or animal is dangerous. If the dog or animal is found
to be dangerous, animal services shall notify the owner of the determination by personal service
or certified mail — return receipt request. The notification will advise the owner of the right to
appeal and will require that the owner perform the following requirements within thirty days from
receipt of the notice:
(a) Register the dangerous dog or animal with the animal control department.
(b) Restrain the dangerous dog or animal at all times on a leash, in the immediate control
of an adult, who is at least seventeen (17) years of age, or in a secure enclosure;
(c) Obtain and provide proof to the Colleyville, Keller, Southlake Regional Animal Services
of liability insurance coverage or provide proof of such liability insurance or proof of current
financial responsibility, in an amount of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,00.00) to
cover damages resulting from an attack by the dangerous dog or animal causing bodily injury or
other damage to a person;
(d) Post on all fences that face public areas, signs that state in bold letter "DANGEROUS
ANIMAL." All signs must be obtained from and approved by the animal control
department.
(e) Require that the dangerous dog or animal wear an orange collar and red tag at all
times. All collars and tags must be obtained from and approved by the animal control
department.
(2) Appeal of determination. The owner of a dangerous dog or animal may appeal animal
services determination to the municipal court no later than the fifteenth (15th) calendar day
after being notified of the animal service determination. The municipal court of respective
jurisdiction shall conduct a hearing within fifteen (15) days, to determine if the dog or
animal is dangerous. At such hearing the municipal court may receive testimony
concerning the incident under investigation, and/or consider the affidavits and/or
complaints on file, to determine if the dog or animal is dangerous. If the dog or animal is
found dangerous, the municipal court shall, for the protection of the public health, safety,
and welfare of the community, mandate compliance with subsection (b) (1) a, b, and c, d,
and a determine whether the dog or animal should be removed from the corporate city
limits of Colleyville, Keller or Southlake, humanely destroyed by animal services, a
veterinarian, or released to an animal rescue organization.
(3) Procedure when no appeal
(a) If the owner of the dangerous dog or animal does not comply with subsection (b)(1)
a., b., or c. above, within thirty (30) days of being notified the animal has been found
dangerous, nor has appealed pursuant to section (b)(2) above, the owner shall
surrender the animal to the animal control department. If the owner does not surrender
the animal, then the animal control officer shall obtain from the municipal court, a
warrant, authorizing the animal control department to seize the animal. Thereafter, the
animal control department shall seize the animal, or order its seizure, and provide a
secure and humane place for the impoundment of the animal.
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(b) If the owner complies with subsection (b)(1) a., b., and c., above, before the eleventh
(11th) day on which the dangerous dog or animal was seized or was surrendered to the
animal control officer, the municipal court shall order the return of the dangerous dog or
animal.
(c) If the owner has not complied with subsection (b)(1 ) a., b., and c., above, before the
eleventh (11th) day on which the dangerous dog or animal was seized or surrendered
to the animal control department, the municipal court shall, for the protection of the
public health, safety, and general welfare of the community, determine whether the
animal should be removed from the corporate city limits of the city, humanely destroyed
by the animal control department, a veterinarian, or released to an animal rescue
organization.
(c) The owner of an impounded dangerous dog or animal shall be held responsible for any
cost or fee assessed by the city related to the seizure, impoundment, and destruction of the
animal.
Sec. 4-230. - Failure to release or remove dog.
A person commits an offense if he knowingly possesses and fails to release to the animal
control officer a dog that has been charged by sworn affidavit as provided in section 4-220 of
this chapter. A person commits an offense if the person knowingly possesses and fails to
remove a dog determined to be dangerous under section 4-220 "Dangerous animals;
procedures and hearing" of this chapter from the corporate limits of the city.
Sec. 4-240. - Public nuisances.
No person shall willfully or knowingly keep or harbor on his premises or elsewhere any animal,
livestock, or fowl of any kind that makes or creates an unreasonable disturbance to the
neighbors or the occupants of adjacent premises or persons living in the vicinity thereof.
Unreasonable disturbance includes, but is not limited to, animal making or creating prolonged
noises by howling, barking, bawling or otherwise. It shall create a presumption that a person
has knowledge that the animal under their control is making or creating an unreasonable
disturbance if such person shall have been notified by the animal control officer or any peace
officer of such disturbance and:
a. failed or refused to correct such disturbance or
b. prevent its recurrence.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any owner of any animal to maintain yards, pens, stables,
sheds, coops, or other enclosures in which any animal is confined in such a manner as to
give off odors offensive to persons of ordinary sensibilities residing in the vicinity, or to
breed or attract flies, mosquitoes, or other noxious insects or rodents, or in any manner to
endanger the public health, safety or welfare, or to create a public nuisance.
(2) Manure and droppings shall be removed from pens, stables, yards, coops, and other
enclosures regularly and handled or disposed of in such a manner as to keep the premises
free of any nuisance.
(3) Mound storage of droppings of manure between such removals shall be permitted,
only under such conditions as to protect against the breeding of flies, rodents, and to
prevent the migration of fly larvae (maggots) into the surrounding soil.
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(4) The feeding of vegetables, meat scraps or garbage to livestock shall be done only in
impervious containers or on an impervious platform.
(5) Watering troughs or tanks shall be provided by the owner, which shall be equipped
with adequate facilities for draining the overflow so as to prevent the breeding of flies,
mosquitoes, or other insects.
(6) No putrescible material shall be allowed to accumulate on the premises; and all such
material used to feed which is unconsumed shall be removed and disposed of by sanitary
means.
(7) It shall be unlawful for any person to maintain any animal which repeatedly
trespasses on public property, attacks other animals, or causes damage to public or
private property.
(8) No person shall willfully or knowingly allow a stray animal to remain on their premises.
Any person willfully or knowingly who feeds or waters stray animals, or in any way
encourages a stray animal to remain on their property, shall be in violation of this
ordinance. All provisions of this ordinance shall apply to that person.
Sec. 4-250. - Violations; enforcement.
The animal control officer shall have the authority to issue citations for any violation of this
chapter:
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person upon being issued a citation to give the animal
control officer any personal identification information other than his true name and address.
(2) It shall be unlawful to fail to appear in accordance with the terms of a citation issued
by the animal control officer.
(3) If the person being cited is not present, the animal control officer may send the
citation to the alleged offender by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested,
whereupon service shall be deemed complete.
(4) It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with the animal control officer in the
performance of his duties.
(5) The animal control officer shall have the right of ingress and egress on private
property for the purpose of apprehending animals at large.
Sec. 4-260. - Authority to carry tranquilizer guns.
When acting in the course and scope of his employment, the animal control officer shall be and
is hereby authorized to carry on his person or in his city vehicle loaded tranquilizer guns
approved by the support services commander who oversees animal control as designated by
the City of Keller Chief of Police and not in violation of any provision of the Texas Penal Code
or any other applicable federal, state or local law, as currently written or as may be amended.
Sec. 4-270. - Confinement of animals by individuals.
If an animal is found upon the premises of another, the occupant of the premises may confine
the animal only for so long as reasonably necessary to notify animal services and have the
animal impounded. In attempting to confine the animal, the occupant shall not use any means
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or force that could constitute cruelty to an animal or behave in a cruel manner (as defined by the
Texas Penal Code) toward the animal.
Sec. 4-280. - Abandonment of animals.
It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon any animal within the corporate limits of the city.
Sec. 4-290. - Confinement of animals.
It shall be unlawful for any person to confine or allow to be confined any animal in a motor
vehicle or trailer under such conditions or for such a period of time as may endanger the health
or well-being of the animal due to heat, lack of food or water or any other circumstance which
causes suffering, disability or death of the animal.
Sec. 4-300. - Limitation upon the number of animals, fowl, rabbits and guinea pigs.
It will be unlawful for an owner who is not operating a kennel as provided in Southlake's zoning
ordinance, to keep in any place on property that is less than one acre, more than four dogs,
more than four cats, or any combination of dogs and cats where the total exceeds four animals
over the age of six months; in any place on property that is larger than one acre, the number of
combined dogs and cats shall not exceed six animals.
Fowl, rabbits and guinea pigs must be kept in a secure pen or enclosure. Any enclosure in
which fowl, rabbits or guinea pigs are kept must be cleaned and disinfected on a frequency
sufficient to prevent any unsanitary conditions. No more than a total number of six fowl, rabbits
or guinea pigs, or a combination of fowl, rabbits or guinea pigs, whose number equals six, shall
be kept on any premises except where permitted by the municipal zoning ordinance under
regulations relating to agricultural or commercial operations.
Sec. 4-310. - Poisoning of animals prohibited.
(a) No person shall, in any place accessible to birds, dogs, cats or other animals, with the
intent to kill or harm such animals, place any substance which has in any manner been
treated with any poisonous substance.
(b) The above subsection does not apply to the elimination of rodents, such as mice or rats,
provided that a person is required to not allow the placement of harmful or poisonous
substances in places where domestic animals might ingest the harmful or poisonous
substance, even if the purpose of the substance is to eliminate rodents.
Sec. 4-320. - Fight upon exhibition.
No person shall maintain any place where fowl or any animals are suffered to fight upon
exhibition, or for sport upon wager.
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Sec. 4-330. - Unlawful restraint of dog
(a) Prohibited Acts
An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably
limits the dog's movement: (1) between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.; (2) within 500 feet of
the premises of a school; or (3) in the case of extreme weather conditions, including conditions
in which: (A) the actual or effective outdoor temperatures is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit; or (B)
a heat advisory has been issued for the jurisdiction by the National Weather Service.
(b) Restraints
In this section, a restraint shall be presumed to unreasonably limit a dog's movement if the
restraint: (1) uses a collar that is a pinch -type, prong -type, or choke -type or that is not properly
fitted to the dog; (2) is a length shorter than the greater of (A) five (5) times the length of the
dog, as measured from the tip of the dog's nose to the base of the dog's tail; or (B) ten (10) feet;
(3) is in an unsafe condition; or (4) causes injury to the dog.
(c) Exceptions
Subsection (a) does not apply to (1) a dog restrained to a running line, pulley or trolley system
and that is not restrained to the running line, pulley, or trolley system by means of a pinch -type,
prong -type, choke -type or improperly fitted collar; (2) a dog restrained in compliance with the
requirements of a camping or recreational area as defined by a federal, state or local authority
or jurisdiction; (3) a dog restrained for a reasonable period, not to exceed three hours in a 24
hour period and no longer than is necessary to allow the owner to complete the temporary task
that requires the dog to be restrained, but those three (4) hours cannot be within the prohibited
times of 10p.m. to 6 a.m. set forth above; a dog restrained while the owner is engaged in, or
actively training for, an activity that is conducted pursuant to a valid license issued by the state if
the activity for which the license is issued is associated with the use or presence of a dog
(d) Penalty:
(1) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly violates this section. (2) A peace
officer or animal control officer who has probable cause to believe that an owner is violating this
section shall provide the owner with a written statement of that fact. The statement must be
signed by the officer and plainly state the date on which and the time at which the statement is
provided to the owner. (3) A person commits an offense if the person is provided with a
statement described in (d)(2) and fails to comply with this section within 24 hours of the time the
owner is provided with a statement. A first time offense under this section is a class C
misdemeanor. If a person has been previously convicted of this offense, the person shall be
prosecuted under state law, providing for a more serious penalty. (4) If a person fails to comply
with this subchapter with respect to more than one dog, the person's conduct with respect to
each dog constitutes a separate offense. (5) A person may be prosecuted under this law or any
other law or both.
(e) This section does not prohibit a person from walking a dog with a hand-held leash.
(f) This section does not authorize a person to allow a dog to run at large.
Sec. 4-340. - Food and shelter.
No person shall fail to provide any animal in his charge or custody with sustenance, drink and
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protection from the elements, or cause any of these acts to be done
Sec. 4-350. — Reserved
Sec. 4-360. - Sale of baby fowl, ducks.
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale, lease, rent or in any way transfer,
barter or give away baby fowl or ducklings as pets or novelties, whether dyed or not dyed,
colored or otherwise artificially treated; provided, however, this section shall not be construed to
prohibit the display or sale of natural chicks or ducklings in proper breeding facilities for
hatcheries or stores engaged in the business of selling the same to be raised for legitimate
commercial purposes.
Sec. 4-370. - Guard dogs.
Every person having care, control or custody of any dog which has received guard dog training
must register such dog with the animal shelter. The owners of such dog must place an
identification collar identifying the dog as a trained guard dog on said dog, and this collar must
be worn at all times.
Sec. 4-380. - Disposition of nursing baby animals.
Any nursing baby animal impounded without the mother, or where the mother cannot or refuses
to provide nutritious milk, may be immediately euthanized to prevent further suffering.
Sec. 4-390. - Bees.
It shall be unlawful to keep bees in such a manner as to deny the reasonable use and
enjoyment of adjacent property, or endanger the personal health or welfare of the inhabitants of
the city.
Sec. 4-400. - Disposal of dead animals.
It shall be the responsibility of the owners of livestock to properly dispose of all dead animals
within a twenty -four-hour period. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to dispose of
dead dogs, cats, etc., on his property or property owned by him within twelve (12) hours. The
animal service officer has the authority to pick up any dead animal found on public property and
dispose of it and assist a citizen with the same, if requested. After twenty-four (24) hours, the
animal control officer may enter private property and remove any dead animal which the
property owner has failed to dispose of.
Sec. 4-410. - Fees for removal of dead animals.
There shall be a fee for the removal of a deceased animal from private property. The fee shall
be determined as designated in the fee ordinance. These fees are to be paid by the person or
persons owning the animal or having possession thereof.
Sec. 4-420. - Livestock.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep on premises under the person's control any livestock
without providing adequate fences or barriers that will prevent such livestock from leaving the
property of the person having control of such animal.
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Sec. 4-430. - Livestock at large; impoundment.
The animal control officer shall take into custody any livestock found at large in the city. The
animal control officer shall have the discretion of impounding the livestock and transporting to a
storage facility or containing the livestock at the location until the owner of the livestock can be
located and recover the livestock. Discretion shall be based on such practical considerations as
number of livestock, apprehension, containment and hazards to the community.
Due to such considerations as number of livestock involved, size and difficulty of livestock
handled, and transportation requirement, the animal control officer may use a livestock
collection and holding service franchised with the City of Keller or a Tarrant County constable to
collect and hold livestock found at large. Disposition of the livestock will be determined by the
Tarrant County constable.
Sec. 4-440. - Reserved.
Sec. 4-450. - Places prohibited to livestock.
It shall be unlawful for any person to ride or allow any type of livestock upon any public school
grounds, college grounds, public park, property or municipal grounds within the city, except
those designated as bridle paths or other designated riding or exhibiting areas for livestock or
with the effective consent of an employee with the power and authority to authorize such
activity. On streets, horses shall be ridden as close as possible to the curb, and in no event shall
horses be allowed on state highways. It shall be unlawful for any person to ride or allow any
type of livestock upon the property of another within the city, except with the express consent of
the owner or person in charge of such property obtained prior thereto.
Sec. 4-460. — Trapping of animals.
Traps can be checked out from the animal shelter when traps are available. Traps will only be
emptied Monday thru Saturday during Animal Services operating hours. All trapped animal
should be called into dispatch no later than 12 noon, the day the animal is trapped. No animals
are to be trapped for more than a 24 hour period in any trap. Any person who traps any animal
in a City issued trap can have the on duty animal control officer empty the trap at no charge.
Any person who traps any animal in a non -City issued trap can choose to have the trap emptied
by the on duty animal service officer for a fee of $30.00 payable only in form of a check, made
payable to the Colleyville, Keller, Southlake Regional Animal Services. All traps that require the
animal control officer to remove and transport the trap in order to safely remove the trapped
animal can be picked up at the Animal Shelter during Animal Services operating hours.
Sec. 4-470. — Animal establishment permits
No person, partnership or corporation shall operate a commercial animal establishment or
kennel unless the establishment is located in a properly zoned area and unless a permit has
first been obtained in compliance with current city policies in reference to this zoning.
If there is a change in ownership of a commercial animal establishment, the new owner must
apply for a new permit. Permits are nontransferable.
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Every facility regulated by this article shall be considered a separate enterprise requiring an
individual permit.
No fee may be required of any veterinary hospital, animal shelter, government operated
zoological park, school district, civic or charitable organization.
Sec. 4-480. — Animal Shelters other than the Colleyville, Keller, Southlake Regional
Animal Services and Adoption Center
Standards for animal shelters shall be as follows:
(1) Each animal shelter operated in this city shall comply with the standards for
housing and sanitation as set forth by the state department of health.
(2) An animal shelter shall separate animals in its custody at all times by species,
by sex, if known, and if the animals are not related to one another, by size.
(3) An animal shelter may not confine healthy animals with sick, injured, or
diseased animals.
(4) Each person operating an animal shelter shall keep records of the date,
disposition of the animals in its custody, shall maintain the records on the
premises of the animal shelter, and shall make the records available for
inspection by the animal control officer at reasonable times.
Sec. 4-490. - Penalty.
Any person who shall violate the provisions of this chapter shall, for each violation, be deemed
guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), and
each violation shall be construed to constitute a separate offense.
Sec. 4-500. — Cruelty to Animals
It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly abuse, neglect, or
otherwise mistreat an animal. Violations under this section will be investigated as violations of
Texas Penal Code statutes 42.09, 42.091, or 42.092, as currently written or an may be
amended.
SECTION 2
This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the City of
Southlake, Texas, except where the provisions of this ordinance are in direct conflict with the
provisions of such ordinances, in which event the conflicting provisions of such ordinances are
hereby repealed.
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SECTION 3
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases, clauses,
sentences, paragraphs and sections of this ordinance are severable, and if any phrase, clause,
sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid
judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not
affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this
ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without the
incorporation in this ordinance of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph
or section.
SECTION 4
Any person, firm or corporation who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to
comply with or who resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be
fined not more than Two -Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for each offense. Each day that a
violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 5
All rights and remedies of the City of Southlake are expressly saved as to any and all
violations of the provisions of Ordinance No. 1069, as amended, or any other ordinances
affecting zoning yard regulations which have accrued at the time of the effective date of this
ordinance; and, as to such accrued violations and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal,
whether pending in court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be affected by this
ordinance but may be prosecuted until final disposition by the courts.
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SECTION 6
The City Secretary of the City of Southlake is hereby authorized to publish this ordinance
in book or pamphlet form for general distribution among the public, and the operative provisions
of this ordinance as so published shall be admissible in evidence in all courts without further
proof than the production thereof.
SECTION 7
The City Secretary of the City of Southlake is hereby directed to post the proposed
ordinance in its entirety on the City website together with a notice setting out the time and place
for a public hearing thereon at least ten (10) days before the second reading of this ordinance,
and if this ordinance provides for the imposition of any penalty, fine or forfeiture for any violation
of any of its provisions, then the City Secretary shall additionally publish this ordinance in the
official City newspaper one time within ten (10) days after passage of this ordinance, as
required by Section 3.13 of the Charter of the City of Southlake.
SECTION 8
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication
as required by law, and it is so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED on the 1st reading the _ day of , 2014.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY SECRETARY
PASSED AND APPROVED on the 2nd reading the _ day of 2014.
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MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY SECRETARY
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
CITY ATTORNEY
DATE:
ADOPTED:
EFFECTIVE:
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