Austin, Texas

§ 3-4-2 – 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 of Subsection (A) does not apply to a temporary restraint:

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

(2)  that is required to protect the safety or welfare of a person or the dog, if the dog’s owner or handler remains with the dog throughout the period of restraint.

(C)  A person restraining a dog with a chain or tether 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 a dog’s neck. A person may not restrain a dog with a chain or tether that weighs more than 1/18 of the dog’s body weight. A chain or tether used to restrain a dog must, by design and placement, be unlikely to become entangled.

(D)  A person may not restrain a dog in a manner that does not allow the dog to have access to necessary shelter and water.

(E)  A person may not restrain a dog in a manner that allows the dog to move outside the person’s property.