Laserfiche WebLink
Text of section effective on January 18, 2022 <br />Sec. 821.102. UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG; OFFENSE. (a) An <br />owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a <br />restraint unless the owner provides the dog access to: <br />(1) adequate shelter; <br />(2) an area that allows the dog to avoid standing <br />water and exposure to excessive animal waste; <br />(3) shade from direct sunlight; and <br />(4) potable water. <br />(b) An owner may not restrain a dog outside and unattended <br />by use of a restraint that: <br />(1) is a chain; <br />(2) has weights attached; <br />(3) is shorter in length than the greater of: <br />(A) five times the length of the dog, as <br />measured from the tip of the dog's nose to the base of the dog's <br />tail; or <br />(B) 10 feet; or <br />(4) is attached to a collar or harness not properly <br />fitted. <br />(c) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly <br />violates this section. The restraint of each dog that is in <br />violation is a separate offense. <br />(d) An offense under this section is a Class C <br />misdemeanor, except that the offense is a Class B misdemeanor if <br />the person has previously been convicted under this section. <br />(e) If conduct constituting an offense under this section <br />also constitutes an offense under any other law, the actor may <br />be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both. <br />Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 6 (S.B. 5), Sec. 1, <br />eff. January 18, 2022. <br />