Bastrop, Texas

Sec. 2.06.008 – Restraint requirements for dogs on private property.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a person may not restrain a dog with a chain or tether unless the person is holding the chain or tether.

(b) The prohibition in subsection (a) does not apply to a temporary restraint, which temporary restraint shall not be longer than is necessary for the owner to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained occurring:

(1) During a lawful animal event, veterinary treatment, grooming, training, or law enforcement activity;

(2) During a period that is necessary to protect the safety or welfare of a person or the dog, if the dog’s owner or handler remains in visual proximity to the dog throughout the period of restraint;

(3) While the owner is engaged in, or actively training for, an activity for which the license issued is associated with the use or presence of a dog.

(c) If temporary restraint is allowed as per subsection (b), above, then during any such temporary restraint, a person may not restrain a dog:

(1) In a manner that does not allow the dog to have access to necessary food, shelter and water;

(2) In a manner that allows the dog to move outside the person’s property;

(3) In the case of extreme weather conditions, including conditions in which:

(A) The actual or effective temperature is below thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit;

(B) A heat advisory has been issued by a local or state authority, or jurisdiction; or

(C) A hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning has been issued for the jurisdiction by the National Weather Service;

(4) Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. or 6:00 a.m.;

(5) Within 500 feet of the premises of a school;

(6) By use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dog’s movement. A restraint unreasonably limits a dog’s movement if the restraint:

(A) Uses a collar that is pinch-type, prong-type, or choke-type or one that is not properly fitted to the dog;

(B) Is a length shorter than the greater of:

(i) Five (5) times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip the of dog’s nose to the base of the dog’s tail; or

(ii) Ten (10) feet;

(7) In an unsafe condition; or

(8) In a manner that causes or may cause injury to the dog.

(d) A person restraining a dog with a chain or tether, whether the chain or tether is held by the person or attached to an inanimate object during a period of temporary restraint, shall attach the chain or tether to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog. A person may not wrap a chain or tether directly around the dog’s neck. A person may not restrain a dog with a chain or tether that weighs more than 1/18 of the animal’s body weight. A chain or tether used to restrain a dog must, by design and placement, be unlikely to become entangled.

(e) Should a violation of this section occur, at the discretion of a peace officer or animal control officer, after attempting to locate the animal’s owner, a peace officer or animal control officer may enter onto private property for the sole purpose of removing the animal. If professional services are required to remove the animal, the owner is responsible for any and all costs associated therewith.