EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso City Council will discuss new regulations on aggressive dogs to provide a safe and healthy environment for people and other pets.
The meeting is set to happen at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan 6, followed by a public hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
The Texas Health and Safety Code only focuses on animal attacks towards humans, leaving a gap for animal-on-animal attacks and repeated aggressive behavior, according to the City Council agenda.
You can read the full agenda here.
Aggressive and Vicious Dog Ordinance RVDownload
According to the City, part of the proposed changes are adding two new code categories, “vicious dogs” and “aggressive dogs” for calls towards the El Paso Animal Services.
If the ordinance is passed, Animal Services must conduct an investigation within 30 days of the incident.
Once the investigation has been completed and the dog is deemed “vicious” or “aggressive,” the owner of the animal must comply with the following regulations:
Ensure the dog is confined within a secure area on the owner’s property.
Control the dog on a secure leash, or by some other equivalent means of direct physical restraint, when off the owner’s property.
Post visible “Warning: Vicious/Aggressive Dog” sign on owner’s property.
Complete the responsible pet owner course approved for Texas courts.
For “vicious dog” cases, there are more regulations to follow:
Provide proof of current vaccination, registration and microchip
Register dog with Animal Services and pay $50 fee
Ensure dog is wearing issued vicious dog tag anytime while off the owner’s property
Notify Animal Services of any changes of address or transfer of ownership
Apprise the new owner of the dog’s designation before delivering said animal.
Additionally, the ordinances also allow impoundment or seizure of non-compliant animals.
The owner may file an appeal to the Municipal Court within 15 days. The decision made by the courts after the appeal is final.
For “vicious dogs,” after three years of compliance, the owner may petition to remove the “vicious dog” designation, with proof of the dog being spayed/neutered. For “aggressive dogs,” the petition may be done after one year of compliance, with proof of the dog being spayed/neutered.
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