Sec. (d) Subject to any limitations or conditions prescribed by the legislature, the department or its designee may seek, receive, and spend funds received through appropriations, grants, or donations from public or private sources for the rabies control program established by this chapter. 1, eff. SUBCHAPTER A. The Smith County Animal Shelter is located at 322 East Ferguson Street, Tyler, Texas, 75702. 1, eff. Sec. (5) any other information the animal registration agency may require. 669, Sec. April 2, 2015. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1, eff. (a) The commissioners court of each county and the governing body of each municipality shall designate an officer to act as the local rabies control authority for the purposes of this chapter. Please make sure your pets are vaccinated against this terrible disease. (b) If the result of an election is for the registration of and registration fee for dogs, an election to repeal the registration and fee may not be held for two years from the date of the election. 822.0423. 822.011. (c) In accordance with department rules, a local rabies control authority may contract with one or more public or private entities to provide and operate a quarantine facility. 3340), Sec. (2) the animal is required to be registered under the ordinances or rules adopted under this chapter by a county or municipality within whose jurisdiction the act occurs. Sept. 1, 1989. Firms, Animal Attack and Dog Bite Claim Resources. (5) the injured person was younger than eight years of age, the attack, bite, or mauling occurred in an enclosure in which the dog was being kept, and the enclosure was reasonably certain to keep a person younger than eight years of age from entering. 822.0422. If your dog bites someone, whether on your property or not, you are liable.". Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. (e) May 5, 1995. Sept. 1, 1997. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. (d) The quarantine remains in effect until the 181st day after the date on which the last case of rabies is diagnosed in a dog, cat, or other animal species that caused the department or its designee to declare a quarantine, unless the department or its designee, by declaration, removes the quarantine before that date. This subchapter does not prohibit a municipality or county from adopting leash or registration requirements applicable to dogs. Sept. 1, 1989. Section 42.092 of the Texas Penal Code. Sec. 3, eff. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. (1) the name and address of the victim and of the animal's owner, if known; and. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Through social Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sec. RELOCATION OR DISPOSITION OF ANIMAL. 822.003. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. Sec. 1, eff. (e) A veterinarian shall quarantine an animal that: (1) is in the possession of the veterinarian; and. Sec. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. The hearing must be held not later than the 10th day after the date on which the dog is seized or delivered. 44, Sec. If the owner had reason to know the dog was vicious, then the owner is liable for all damages caused. 1, eff. Feb. 24, 2023 Updated: Feb. 25, 2023 3:08 p.m. 3. 822.102. 2, eff. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. MUNICIPALITIES MAY ADOPT ORDINANCES OR RULES. Sept. 1, 2001. 976 (S.B. (4) "Secure" means to take steps that a reasonable person would take to ensure a dog remains on the owner's property, including confining the dog in an enclosure that is capable of preventing the escape or release of the dog. If you've been bitten by a dog, the first thing you should do -- after getting the contact information of the owner (if nearby) -- is seek medical attention. If after biting the person the animal exhibits any abnormal behavior, the law enforcement agency and the animal's handler or rider shall make the animal available within a reasonable time for testing by the local health authority. (c) If an owner of a registered dangerous dog sells or moves the dog to a new address, the owner, not later than the 14th day after the date of the sale or move, shall notify the animal control authority for the area in which the new address is located. 826.014. 992 (H.B. Texas doesn't have a civil liability law specifically for dog bites, but that doesn't mean you won't be liable if your dog bites someone. Sec. (2) a court, including a justice court, may not order the destruction of a dog during the pendency of an appeal under Section 822.0424. The recommended schedule for Bordetella vaccinations depends on whether it is the first dose or a booster, your dogs level of risk and his health. SAN ANTONIO Animal Care Services officials say the dogs who were euthanized following the fatal attack of an 81-year-old had at least three prior bite reports. 822.011 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. Section 2131 et seq.) Sept. 1, 1991. IAdminfootr01a_01_02 = new Image(137, 28);IAdminfootr01a_01_02.src = '/images/txreg_nav.gif'; 99, Sec. POWERS AND DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONER; CAGING REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS. 1, eff. (c) At the written request of the department, the attorney general or the county or district attorney for the county in which the recipient of the vaccine or serum resides may bring suit or start other proceedings in the name of the state to collect the reimbursement owed the department for the vaccine or serum. (b) County ordinances or rules adopted under this section supersede this chapter and the department rules adopted under this chapter within that county so that dual enforcement will not occur. 1 (S.B. (f) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Section 822.005(a) that, at the time of the conduct charged, the person and the dog are participating in an organized search and rescue effort at the request of law enforcement. (last accessed Jun. Most states have "strict liability dog-bite laws that make owners financially responsible for dog bites (and other injuries in some states), regardless of the owner's . 99, Sec. 9, eff. 822.003 by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. September 1, 2015. While Texas lacks statutes for civil liability for dog attacks (or attacks by other animals), it does have criminal statutes. Name Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 2, eff. Sec. 13, eff. (c) The local rabies control authority shall investigate a report filed under this section. (b) Municipal ordinances or rules adopted under this section supersede ordinances or rules adopted by the county in which the municipality is located, this chapter, and the department rules adopted under this chapter within that municipality so that multiple enforcement will not occur. All rights reserved. This chapter may be cited as the Rabies Control Act of 1981. June 18, 2005. 14.810, eff. } 219), Sec. (e) The department or its designee may compile, analyze, publish, and distribute information relating to the control of rabies for the education of physicians, veterinarians, public health personnel, and the public. (5) "Owner" means a person who owns or has custody or control of the dog. 822.107. 822.0424. 826.053. The court shall order the authority to return the dog to the owner if the owner complies with Subsection (a) before the 11th day after the date on which the dog is seized or delivered to the authority. You can be held civilly or criminally liable. Get started on recovering for damages for the dog bite today by having an animal and dog bite attorney in Texas review your case. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. Ramon Najera, an 81-year-old . 3.1618, eff. 3.1639(121), eff. Sept. 1, 1989. 4, eff. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sec. (a) A person commits an offense if the person violates Section 822.103(a), Section 822.106, or Section 822.110(a) or (b). (2) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. //help_ftr_01_05o = new Image(38, 28);help_ftr_01_05o.src = '/images/help_nav_over.gif'; } (c) If on the trial of an offense under this section the court finds that the person has been previously convicted of an offense under this section, the offense is a Class B misdemeanor. REGISTRATION REQUIRED; EXCEPTION FOR TEMPORARY VISITS. Rule 3701-3-29. 219), Sec. Sec. A dog owner may be criminally liable if they acted with criminal negligence or if they had reason to know their dog was dangerous. Sec. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. (b) A police service animal is exempt from the quarantine requirement of this subchapter if the animal bites a person while the animal is under routine veterinary care or while the animal is being used for law enforcement, corrections, prison or jail security, or investigative purposes. (3) serve a copy of the notice of appeal on the animal control authority by mailing the notice through the United States Postal Service. Sec. 822.004 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1, eff. To report an animal bite please call the Customer Call Center at 311 or contact Animal Care Services at 361-826-4634 or 361-826-4616. If the owner didn't know the dog was dangerous, they may be liable for the percentage they are deemed at fault. REPORTS OF RABIES. For the criminal statutes, a person can be said to know that their dog is dangerous if there was a previous, unprovoked attack or the owner has been informed by appropriate authorities that the dog is dangerous. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. The fee charged to an applicant may not exceed $50 for each animal registered and may not exceed $500 for each person registering animals, regardless of the number of animals owned by the person. (b) The animal control authority shall seize the dog or order its seizure and shall provide for the impoundment of the dog in secure and humane conditions until the court orders the disposition of the dog. April 2, 2015. Lawyers know that many Texas dog bites occur when an animal is threatened. (c) An owner of a dangerous wild animal that escapes is liable for all costs incurred in apprehending and confining the animal. 3.1616, eff. 219), Sec. 7-4.1 (a) (1) Fails to vaccinate cat or dog for rabies. 916, Sec. (5) a humane disposition be made of each unclaimed stray dog or cat on the expiration of the required impoundment period. The agency said the dog was euthanized following a 10-day bite quarantine and that the decision was made prior to a planned rally outside of the HRA in Northwest D.C. Last week, 7News reported that several other rescues had offered to take Marley. Sec. Sec. A veterinarian performing duties under this chapter is not liable to the owner of an animal for the death of or injury to the animal except in a case of wilful misconduct or gross negligence. 2, eff. (3) "Dog" means a domesticated animal that is a member of the canine family. 826.0211. 99, Sec. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. (b) Except as restricted by department rule, the officer designated as the local rabies control authority may be the county health officer, municipal health officer, animal control officer, peace officer, or any entity that the commissioners court or governing body considers appropriate. 169, Rabies Control and Eradication Rabies vaccination protocols for animals and people: Rabies Prevention in Texas Oral Rabies Vaccination Program (ORVP): 1331 (S.B. function dm(msgStr) { (d) A person who is subject to prosecution under this section and under any other law may be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both. 3. The governing body of a municipality and the commissioners court of a county may enter into contracts or agreements with public or private entities to carry out the activities required or authorized under this chapter. 44, Sec. (c) To the extent of any conflict between this section and any other law or rule relating to the administration of rabies vaccine, this section controls. The destruction of a dog under this subchapter must be performed by: (2) personnel of a recognized animal shelter or humane society who are trained in the humane destruction of animals; or. // (c) If the owner fails to deliver the dog as required by Subsection (b), the court shall order the animal control authority to seize the dog and shall issue a warrant authorizing the seizure. 7, eff; May 5, 1995. (e) While the quarantine is in effect, the rules adopted by the executive commissioner supersede all other applicable ordinances or rules applying to the quarantine area and apply until the department or its designee removes the quarantine by declaration or until the rules expire or are revoked by the executive commissioner. USE AND SALE OF RABIES VACCINE; CRIMINAL PENALTY. Sec. If the registration information is not recorded on microfilm, as may be permitted under other law, it shall be recorded in a book kept for that purpose. LIABILITY INSURANCE. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 822.035. The primary duties that a dog bite attorney is often required to do is to seek compensation for the victim's injuries and prepare for the . 5.95(49), eff. 678, Sec. (4) comply with an applicable municipal or county regulation, requirement, or restriction on dangerous dogs. (a) The governing body of a municipality and the commissioners court of a county may adopt ordinances or rules under Section 826.014 or 826.015 to require that: (1) each dog or cat be restrained by its owner; (2) each stray dog or cat be declared a public nuisance; (3) each unrestrained dog or cat be detained or impounded by the local rabies control authority or that officer's designee; (4) each stray dog or cat be impounded for a period set by ordinance or rule; and. REGISTRATION FEE. 219), Sec. 2, eff. Renumbered from Health & Safety Code Sec. or uses dogs for law enforcement or corrections purposes. The law only applies to bites on a human, not on another dog. . 686 (H.B. APPEAL. (b) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to effectively administer this chapter. Sept. 1, 1997. An elderly man is dead and his wife is in critical condition after the couple was mauled by dogs in a West Side neighborhood Friday afternoon. 686 (H.B. 1 (S.B. Original Source: Sec. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. (4) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. document.returnValue = false; Section 2131 et seq.) 826.017. VACCINATION; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (c) Any interested party, including the county or city attorney, is entitled to present evidence at the hearing. 822.104. 530 (H.B. 1 (S.B. COUNTIES MAY ADOPT ORDINANCES AND RULES. 826.051. (d) The enforcing agency shall deposit the fees collected in the treasury of the enforcing agency. 669 (H.B. 3.1620, eff. (a) This subchapter does not apply to: (1) a county, municipality, or agency of the state or an agency of the United States or an agent or official of a county, municipality, or agency acting in an official capacity; (2) a research facility, as that term is defined by Section 2(e), Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. April 2, 2015. Sept. 1, 1989. 14, eff. Typically, you must make your dog, cat, or ferret available for quarantine and observation for 10 days after the bite, even if it has been vaccinated. If that finding is not made, the court shall order the dog released to: (f) The court may not order the dog destroyed if the court finds that the dog caused the serious bodily injury to a person by attacking, biting, or mauling the person and: (1) the dog was being used for the protection of a person or person's property, the attack, bite, or mauling occurred in an enclosure in which the dog was being kept, and: (A) the enclosure was reasonably certain to prevent the dog from leaving the enclosure on its own and provided notice of the presence of a dog; and. Sept. 1, 1999. 44, Sec. } (b) The information may be disclosed only to a governmental entity or a person that, under a contract with a governmental entity, provides animal control services or animal registration services for the governmental entity for purposes related to the protection of public health and safety. In addition to the notice required by Section 4.003, Election Code, notice of an election under this subchapter shall be published at least once in an English language newspaper of general circulation in the county. 822.005. } REGISTRATION; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (c) When transporting a dangerous wild animal, the owner of the animal, or a designated carrier or intermediate handler of the animal, shall comply with all transportation standards that apply to that animal under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. The hearing must be held not later than the 10th day after the date on which the warrant is issued. 1, eff. Sec. RULE 169.34. Sec. (B) under restraint by closed cage or paddock or in any other manner approved by department rule. 822.001. 1, eff. 1 (S.B. Sept. 1, 1989. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. Therefore, it is illegal to transport the following species from, to, or within the State of Texas: foxes, coyotes, skunks, or raccoons indigenous to North America. 1002, Sec. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONER AND DEPARTMENT. (4-a) "Executive commissioner" means the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission. Remember, state dog bite laws are a combination of local and state laws and are subject to change. 826.023. document.returnValue = true; Rabies virus can be excreted in the saliva of infected dogs, cats, and ferrets during illness and/or for a few days before illness or death. (d) An owner of a registered dangerous dog shall notify the office in which the dangerous dog was registered of any attacks the dangerous dog makes on people. Sept. 1, 1997. Any person who is directly harmed or threatened with harm by a violation of this subchapter or a failure to enforce this subchapter may sue an owner of a dangerous wild animal to enjoin a violation of this subchapter or to enforce this subchapter. 44, Sec. May 5, 1995. (c) A county or municipality may not register or license an animal that has not been vaccinated in accordance with this section. 678, Sec. Email: shelter@smith-county.com. 669 (H.B. (C) the selling, trading, bartering, or auctioning of a dangerous wild animal or a dangerous wild animal's body parts. (12) "Livestock" means an animal raised for human consumption or an equine animal. (c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has previously been convicted under this section. 3.1609, eff. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 822.110. 3.1639(121), eff. 822.116. If a dog bites or in any way attacks a person within Livingston city limits, the owner or person with custody of the dog must immediately secure the animal in quarantine for ten days, during which time inspections will be made periodically to determine whether the dog is infected with rabies. April 2, 2015. (e) If the ownership of a dog is transferred, the dog's registration certificate shall be transferred to the new owner. The Texas Supreme Court articulated the law and standards that Texas follows for animal attacks in a case called Marshall v. Ranne. 1 (S.B. (a) A person commits an offense if the person is the owner of a dog and the person: (1) with criminal negligence, as defined by Section 6.03, Penal Code, fails to secure the dog and the dog makes an unprovoked attack on another person that occurs at a location other than the owner's real property or in or on the owner's . April 2, 2015. If you have any questions regarding a previously reported bite or quarantine, please call (805) 781-4424. States that do not have a strict liability statute when it comes to dog attacks usually . Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 2, eff. (a) An owner of a dog registered under this subchapter must pay a registration fee of $1. 1, eff. USE AND SALE OF RABIES VACCINE. BITE #_____ ACTIVITY #_____ Persons or pets are potentially exposed when: EXPOSURE INFO 1. there is known physical contact with saliva or nervous system tissue from a high-risk wildlife species Did anyone touch the wild animal? 44, Sec. The animal's owner must pay the fee before the animal may be released. (b) A veterinarian may not administer or directly supervise the administration of rabies vaccine in this state unless the person is: (1) licensed by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to practice veterinary medicine; or. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1426), Sec. 678, Sec. An owner of a dangerous wild animal shall maintain liability insurance coverage in an amount of not less than $100,000 for each occurrence for liability for damages for destruction of or damage to property and death or bodily injury to a person caused by the dangerous wild animal. The fees may be used only to help defray the cost of administering this chapter or the ordinances or rules of the enforcing agency within its jurisdiction. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. (a) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules governing the types of facilities that may be used to quarantine animals. When a person is bitten by a domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), cat (Felis catus) or ferret (Mustela putorius furo), N.C. General Statute 130A-196 requires that the animal be 1. The dogs' owner, Christian Alexander Moreno, 31, was arrested hours later and charged with attack by a dangerous dog causing death and injury to an elderly individual by omission or negligence . Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. Spray the dogs with a garden hose.. 530 (H.B. 44, Sec. Sept. 1, 1999. (b) This subchapter does not prevent a municipality or county from prohibiting or regulating by ordinance or order the ownership, possession, confinement, or care of a dangerous wild animal. By Cuteness Team. 1355), Sec. 219), Sec. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. Learn more about FindLaws newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. If the domestic animal is showing clinical signs consistent with rabies . EXEMPTION FROM QUARANTINE REQUIREMENT FOR POLICE SERVICE ANIMALS. Texas State Law requires that rabies vaccines for animals must be administered by a licensed The 81-year-old man and 74-year-old woman who were visiting friends in the area were attacked by two dogs from a neighboring property after exiting their vehicle, according to the San Antonio Police Department. (b) Notwithstanding any other law, including a municipal ordinance, an owner, not later than the 15th day after the date the owner is notified that a dog owned by the owner is a dangerous dog, may appeal the determination of the animal control authority to a justice, county, or municipal court of competent jurisdiction. 826.054. // function that displays status bar message 870, Sec. (d) A person is exempt from the requirements of this section if the person is caring for, treating, or transporting an animal for which the person holds a Class "A" or Class "B" dealer's license or a Class "C" exhibitor's license issued by the secretary of agriculture of the United States under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. (B) the animal is kept within this state only during the time the circus is performing in this state or for a period not to exceed 30 days while the circus is performing outside the United States; (7) a dangerous wild animal while in the temporary custody or control of a television or motion picture production company during the filming of a television or motion picture production in this state; (8) a dangerous wild animal owned by and in the possession, custody, or control of a college or university solely as a mascot for the college or university; (9) a dangerous wild animal while being transported in interstate commerce through the state in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 1069, Sec. 2, eff. Kennel Cough. 2026), Sec. At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. Sept. 1, 1989. Defense to prosecution if person is a veterinarian, peace officer, or is employed to deal with animals. (3) "Dangerous dog," "dog," "owner," and "secure enclosure" have the meanings assigned by Section 822.041. No quarantine applies. Texas Law Regarding Dog Owners and Dog Attacks Believe it or not, a person could be criminally liable, meaning they could be convicted of a crime, if their dog attacks someone. Sec. (a) The executive commissioner by rule shall establish caging requirements and standards for the keeping and confinement of a dangerous wild animal to ensure that the animal is kept in a manner and confined in a primary enclosure that: (1) protects and enhances the public's health and safety; (3) provides a safe, healthy, and humane environment for the animal. (a) Information that is contained in a municipal or county registry of dogs and cats under Section 826.031 that identifies or tends to identify the owner or an address, telephone number, or other personally identifying information of the owner of the registered dog or cat is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code. 678, Sec. Sept. 1, 1989. 826.025. 1 (S.B. (a) A person commits an offense if: (1) the person fails or refuses to register or present for registration a dog or cat owned by the person; and. September 1, 2007. Texas is under a statewide rabies quarantine ( Title 25, Section 169.34 of the Texas Administrative Code ). Sec. A man was killed and a woman critically injured in a "horrific" dog attack in Texas on Friday, authorities said. DETERMINATION THAT DOG IS DANGEROUS. September 1, 2007. The owner must place the tag on the dog's collar. | More 826.001. Texas State Law requires that owners of dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and given a second inoculation against rabies one year later, then tri-annually thereafter (VTCA-Sec. (c) When a court issues an order to a facility to cease operation, the local rabies control authority shall remove all animals housed in the facility to a shelter approved by the department. 1436), Sec. 219), Sec. (b) A person who violates this section commits an offense. Once a dog has bitten someone, and a report has been filed, California law regarding dog bites mandates that the dog be quarantined. 1, eff. Created byFindLaw's team of legal writers and editors (a) This section applies only to an incorporated municipality that has a population of more than 1,000 and that is the county seat of a county with a population of less than 1,600. (e) Notwithstanding any other law, a county court or a county court at law has jurisdiction to hear an appeal filed under this section. May 5, 1995. The owner shall pay any cost incurred in seizing the dog. } 826.021. 54, Sec. The proclamation shall be published at least once in an English language newspaper of general circulation in the county or, if there is no English language newspaper of general circulation in the county, the proclamation shall be posted at the courthouse door. 1740), Sec. CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION IN DOG AND CAT REGISTRY; CRIMINAL PENALTY. Sec. 1, eff. In the Marshall case, Paul Marshall sued John Ranne for damages suffered when Ranne's boar severely injured his hand. Civilly, an owner can be held liable if they knew the dog had bitten someone before and did not use "reasonable care" in restraining the dog, said. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. (a) If a person reports an incident described by Section 822.041(2), the animal control authority may investigate the incident. Sec. (c) The enforcing agency may adopt an ordinance setting a fee for the impoundment and board of a dog or cat during the impoundment period. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR RABIES CONTROL. Sec. CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION IN RABIES VACCINATION CERTIFICATE; CRIMINAL PENALTY. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 826.0311. The fees collected under this section may be used only to administer and enforce this subchapter. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. (A) does not compromise the public's health and safety; (B) does not reduce the total area of the primary enclosure below that established by the executive commissioner; and. In most cases, the quarantine/observation may be in your home. CARE, TREATMENT, AND TRANSPORTATION OF ANIMAL. 6, eff. 219), Sec. Each animal with respect to which there is a violation and each day that a violation continues is a separate offense. (Texas Civ 33.001). 1 (S.B. (A) Biting dog, cat, or ferret. if (document.images) { (2) ordinances or rules adopted under this chapter by a county or municipality within whose jurisdiction the act occurs. Dog Quarantine After Bite. (d) A suit or other proceeding may be brought against: (2) the parent, guardian, or other person legally responsible for the support of the recipient; or. To report an animal bite of any kind, please call 311. Austin, TX ( Law Firm Newswire) May 25, 2017 - In Texas, if a dog or a cat bites a human, regardless of its vaccination record, it must be either quarantined or euthanized. REGISTRATION OF DOGS AND CATS BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. (a) The court shall set a time for a hearing to determine whether the dog caused the death of or serious bodily injury to a person by attacking, biting, or mauling the person. 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