A new state law, Senate Bill 5, passed by the 87th Legislature 3rd Special Session, places new restrictions on how dogs can be restrained outdoors.  The law says that an owner “may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint unless the owner provides access to: (1) adequate shelter; (2) an area that allows the dog to avoid standing water and exposure to excessive animal waste; (3) shade from direct sunlight; and (4) potable water.”

The law also prohibits “use of a restraint that: (1) is a chain; (2) has weights attached” and does not meet a minimum length defined in the law (the length can vary according to the size of the dog).

Some exceptions are provided for in the law, such as at a public camping or recreational area, while the dog is in training, etc.

Lieutenant Troy Carroll of the Brownwood Police Department said that violations of the law are subject to a Class C misdemeanor for first offense, and Class B misdemeanor for subsequent offenses.  A Class B misdemeanor is an arrestable offense.

In addition, Lt. Carroll said Brownwood residents should be aware of local City Ordinances concerning animals.  Some of those ordinances are:

Section 14-2  Loud Noises:  residents are prohibited from owning animals that make “unreasonably loud or unnecessary noise.”

Section 14-4  Wild Animals:  Residents may not own wild animals such as  “bats, skunks, poisonous reptiles, fox, bobcats, and other dangerous wild animals.”

Section 14-82 Restraint of Dogs:  “Every person who owns, keeps, or is in charge of a dog shall restrain such dog at all times.”

Section 14-181 Authorization:  This section authorizes Animal Control Officers to take up and impound dogs and cats not restrained by their owners.

Section 14-85 Number of Dogs and Cats:  Any household is limited to four dogs and cats combined.

Section 14-152 Dangerous Dog:  This section refers to the definition of a dangerous dog in the VTCA Health and Safety Code 822.041, with the additional definition of “Makes an unprovoked attack on a domestic animal that causes serious bodily injury or death…”

Section 14-153 Seizure:  In the event of a dangerous dog attack, this section authorizes Animal Control to “seize and impound the dog pending investigation of the incident.”  The impoundment may last up to ten days if the dog is determined not to be dangerous, or longer if the dog is determined to in fact be dangerous.

All of the City Ordinances concerning animals can be found on the City of Brownwood web site, brownwoodtexas.gov.  At the bottom of the home page, click on “City Ordinances Online,” then click on “Chapter 14 Animals.”  If you have questions concerning the City Ordinances on animals, contact Animal Control at the Brownwood Police Department, 325-646-2525.

The new state law concerning restrained dogs takes effect on January 18, 2022.