Hudson Oaks, Texas

§ 2.05.004 Unlawful restraint of animals.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person leaves a dog or other animal outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the animal’s movement. In this article, a restraint unreasonably limits the movement of a dog or other animal if the restraint:

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

(2) Is a chain or tether wrapped directly around an animal’s neck;

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

(A) Five times the length of the animal, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail; or

(B) 10 feet;

(4) Is in an unsafe condition;

(5) Causes injury to the animal; or

(6) Is a chain or tether that weighs more than 1/8 of the animal’s body weight.

(b) An owner may not leave a dog or other animal outside and unattended by use of a restraint:

(1) Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;

(2) Within five hundred (500) feet of the premises of a school; or

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

(A) The actual or effective outdoor 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 or the jurisdiction by the National Weather Service.

(c) No unattended animal shall be restrained by any means on any public property such as city parks or utility easements, or on public access private property such as undeveloped lots or unfenced yards, or on any other plot or tract where the public has unrestricted access.

(d) Any restrained animal shall have continuous access to shade and water, and have unrestricted access to a wind and moisture proof shelter.

(e) Any restrained animal shall be arranged so that the restraint cannot become tangled around trees, poles or other obstacles nor prevent the access to shade, water and shelter.

(f) No animal shall be restrained in a manner whereby the animal is subject to harassment, stings or bites from outdoor insects, attacks by other animals, or in a manner which creates an unsafe condition or causes injury to the animal.

(g) Exceptions to the unlawful restraint of animals shall be governed by the provisions of Texas Health and Safety Code, chapter 821.078.

(h) Penalties for the unlawful restraint of animals shall be governed by the provisions of Texas Health and Safety Code, chapter 821.079.