OR 87-380 Amends Code Chap.9 "The Animal Control Ordinance" AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS
ORDINANCE NO. 87380
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS AMENDING THE CODE
OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF COPPELL TO BE KNOWN AS "THE ANIMAL
CONTROL ORDINANCE"; PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; PROVIDING EOR A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED
THE SUM OF TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00) FOR EACH OFFENSE, EXCEPT
WHERE A DIFFERENT PENALTY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BY STATE LAW FOR
SUCH OFFENSE, THE PENALTY SHALL BE THAT FIXED BY STATE LAW AND FOR
ANY OFFENSE WHICH IS A VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION THAT GOVERNS
FIRE SAFETY, ZONING, PUBLIC HEALTH AND SANITATION, OTHER THAN
VEGETATION AND LITTER VIOLATIONS, A PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED
THE SUM OF ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00) FOR EACH OFFENSE; AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COPPELL,
TEXAS. THE FOLLOWING IS ADOPTED AS "THE ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE"
OF THE CITY OF COPPELL:
SECTION 1. That Chapter 9 of the City of Coppell Code of
Ordinance is amended by adding Article 1-1:
~TICL~ 9-1
A~I~tIiL COnTrOL ORDInAnCE
Section 9-1-1 D~FI~ITIO~$
Section 9-1-1.1 Animal shall mean any living creature, including,
but not limited to: dogs, cats, cows, horses,
birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, insects, fowls,
and livestock both large and small, but
specifically excluding human beings.
Section 9-1-1.2 Animal Control Warden or Deputy Warden(s) shall
mean an employee(s) of the City of Coppell, that
is responsible for the enforcement of the
provision of this ordinance.
Section 9-1-1.3 American Pit Bull Terrier shall mean any
Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed of dog; the
American Pit Bull Terrier breed of dog; the
American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog; dogs
of mixed breed or of other breeds than above
listed which breed or mixed breed is known as Pit
Bulls, Pit Bull Dogs or Pit Bull Terriers or any
dog which has the appearance and characteristics
of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit
Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier; or
any other breed commonly known as Pit Bull
Terriers; or any combination of any of these
breeds.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 2
Section 9-1-1.4 Cats shall mean both male and female of the cat
(feline) kind.
Section 9-1-1.5 D.o. gs shall mean both male and female of the dog
(canine) kind.
Section 9-1-1.6 FiRhtinR Animal shall mean any animal which has
been bred and trained for fighting in the
so-called sport of animal fighting.
Section 9-1-1.7 Livestock, large shall mean horses or any member
of the domesticated horse family, including but
not limited to: mules, donkeys, and ponies; and
all types of varieties of cattle, bulls, and all
members of the cow family.
Section 9-1-1.8 Livestock, small shall mean all types of
domesticated swine, sheep, and goats.
Section 9-1-1.9 Owner shall mean any person, firm, or corporation
having title to any animal; or a person who has,
harbors, or keeps, or who causes or permits to be
harbored or kept, an animal in his care.
Section 9-1-1.10 RunninR-at-larRe shall mean not completely
confined by a building , wall or fence of
sufficient strength or construction to restrain
the animal , except when such animal is either on
a leash, or held in the hands of the owner or
keeper , or under direct suparvision of the owner
within the limits of the owner's private
property .
Section 9-1-1.11 Vicious Animal shall mean any animal that commits
an unprovoked attack on a person or animal on
public or private property, or that attacks,
threatens to attack, or terrorizes a person on
public property or in a public place, or that has
behaved in a manner that the person who harbors
said animal knows or should reasonably know that
the animal is possessed of tendencies to attack
or bite persons. Or any American Pit Bull Terrier
as herein defined.
Section 9-1-1.12 Wild Animal shall mean any venomous or dangerous
reptile, or any other animal which can normally
be found in the wild state not normally capable
of being domesticated, including but not limited
to: skunks, foxes, leopards, panthers, tjgers,
lions, lynxes, unless certified for medical,
biological , herpetological, or other scientific
research or study.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 3
Section 9-1-2 OFF]C~ OF ANIF~AL CONTROL WARDEN
Section 9-1-2.1 Creation of Position. There shall be and is
hereby created the position of Animal Control
Warden for the City of CoppelI.
Section 9-1-2.2 Appointment of Animal Control Warden. The
City Manager or his designee shall appoint an
employee as Animal Control Warden. Such Animal
Control Warden and any authorized deputies shall
be assigned to the Env ir on mental Health
Department.
Section 9-1-2.3 Duties of the Animal Control Warden. It shall be
the duty of the Animal Control Warden and his
deputies to enforce all state and local laws
regulating animals and under the direction of the
local health authority to administer and enforce
such regulations whSch the local health authority
is authorized to administer and enforce.
Section 9-1-2.4 Powers of Wardens, deputies and peace officers.
The Animal Control Warden, his deputies and peace
officers are authorized to impound any animal
mentioned in this Ordinance which js in violation
of this Ordinance. In the event the animal is on
private property or property of animaI's owner,
the Animal Control Warden, his deputies and peace
officers msy enter the property, other than a
private dwelling, for the purpose of impoundment
or issuance of a citation, or both, subject to
the applicable provisions of law.
Section 9-1-2.5 Animal Control Warden to Issue Citations for
Violations. Any Animal Control Warden shall have
the authority to issue c it at ions for sny
violation of this ordinance. If the person being
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 4
cited is not present, the Animal Control Warden
may send the citation to the alleged offender by
registered or certified mail.
Section 9-1-2.6 Unlawful to Interfere with Animal Control Warden.
It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere
with any Animal Control Warden or deputy in the
performance of his duties.
Section 9-1-3 Animals Running-&t-Large
It shall be unlawful for any dog, ~s~s¢ or other
animal possessed, kept, or harbored, to run at
large within the corporate limits of the City, as
the term "run at large" is defined herein.
Section 9-1-4 Ani~l Vaccinations and Registration
Section 9-1-4.1 Vaccination Required. All dogs and cats over six
months of age must be vaccinated annually for
rabies with an anti-rabies vaccine approved by
the Local Heslth Authority and administered by a
duly authorized veterinarian. A metal certificate
of vaccination with the year of vaccination, a
certificate number, and the name, address and
phone number of the vaccinating veterinarian,
must be securely attached to a collar or harness
that must be worn by the animal at all times. In
addition to the metal certificate, a paper
certificate must be issued stating the name of
the owner, the address of the owner, description
of the animal, the date of the vaccination, the
number of the metal certificate and the kind of
vaccine used.
Section 9-1--4.2 Registration Required.
Section 9-1-4.2(A) No owner shall have within the city any dog or
cat six months of age or older unless such dog
or cat is currently registered with the City.
A current metal registration certificate
issued by the City , must be affixed to a
collar or harness that must be worn by the
animal at all times. No dog or cat shall be
registered until it has a current vaccination.
Section 9-1-4.2(B) Application for initial issuance or renewal of
each registration must be made by the owner in
writing or in person, and be accompanied by a
fee of five dollars ($5.00), unless the cat
or dog being registered has been neutered or
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 5
spayed and proof of such surgical
sterilization can be shown, then the fee will
be three dollars ($3.00). If the original
current registration certificate is lost or
destroyed, the owner may obtain a duplicate
registration from the City by paying a fee of
two dollars ($2.O0). Dogs and cats under the
age of one (1) year shall be registered at the
sterilized fee. Animals may be exempted from
sterilization or rabies vaccination provision
upon written recommendation from a
veterinarian that such alteration would be
harmful or dangerous to the animal. Fee
exempt registration may be issued for the
following:
(1) Police or Sheriff's department dog,
and
(2) Dogs trained to assist the audio or
visually impaired person.
Eligibility for fee exempt registration does
not relieve the owner of his responsibility
under other provisions of this ordinance.
Section 9-1-4.2(C) Registration certificates shall be renewed
annually. Registration certificates shall be
effective for one (1) year from the date of
issuance, unless sooner renewed.
Section 9-1-4.3 Veterinarian To Be Deputy Collector. The City
Manager is authorized to designate any licensed
veterinarian in the City to be a Deputy Collector
of registrstion fees and upon such designation
such veterinarian shall have authority to issue
dog and cat registrations licenses upon
completion of vaccination . Each such Deputy
Collector of registration fees shaI1, on or
before the fifty day of each month, turn in to
the City all monies collected by him during the
preceding month along with a report of such
collections upon such form as the City may devise
and distribute. For his assistance in such
collection , the Deputy Collector of this fee
shall be entitled to one dollar ($1.00) per
registration. Tags will be provided by the City
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 6
consecutively numbered. No veterinarian shall act
as a Deputy Collector until he has f~rst posted a
bond in the amount of one thousand dollars
($1,000.00), conditioned upon his faithfully
performing the duties required of him and payable
to the City . The City is authorized to pay
premiums upon such bonds in partial consideration
of the benefits to be received by the City by
virtue of the cooperation of the veterinarian.
Section 9-1-4.4 ReRistration And/Or Vaccination Certificates Only
Valid For Animal To Which Issued. Registration
and/or vaccination certificates (and tags) shall
be valid only for the animal for which it was
originally issued. If there is a change in
ownership of a registered dog or cat , the new
owner shall have the reg~stratioD transferred to
his name . There shall be no charge for said
transfer. Application for such transfer shall be
made to the City in writing or in person.
Section 9-1-4.5 City May Refuse Or Revoke Animal ReRistration.
The city may refuse to register an animal, or
revoke a permit issued to any person who has been
convicted in any duly authorized court of
jurisdiction in the State of Texas , or resides
with any person so convicted of any of the
following:
(A) Cruelty to animals as defined in the
Texas Penal Code, Article 42.11,
inhumane treatment, or negligence to an
animal, and
(B) Conviction of four (4) or more separate
and distinct violations of an animal
control ordinance of a municipality in
the State of Texas, within any twelve
(12) month period.
Section 9-1-5 APPEAL FROM REFUSAL OR REVOCATION OF ANIMAL
REGISTRATION
Section 9-1-5.1 There ~s hereby created an Appeal Board known as
the Animal Control Appeal Board, which shall be
comprised of the City of Coppell local health
authority (also known as the City health
officer), a veterinarian to be appointed by the
City Council and one additional member who shall
be a citizen of the City of Coppell, but shall
not be an employee of the City.
If any person is denied a registration or a
registration is revoked , they may appeal the
refusal or revocation to said Appeal Board by
filing with the City Manager a written request
for hearing within ten (10) days after denial or
revocation.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORD~MANCE Page 7
revocation. The filing of a request for an appeal
hearing with the City Manager stays an action of
the City in revocating a registration until the
Appeal Board makes a final decision. If a request
for an appeal hearing is not made within the ten
(10) day period, the denial or revocation is
final.
Section 9-1-5~2 The Appeal Board shall elect a Chairman from its
members. The Board at an appeal hearing shall
consider evjdence offered by any interested
person. The formal rules of evidence do not apply
to an appeal hearing; the Appeal Board shall make
their decision on the basis of a preponderance of
the evidence presented at the hearing. The Board
must render a decision within fifteen (15) days
after the request for an appeal hearing is filed.
The Board shall affirm or reverse the denial or
revocation, and their decision is final unless
the person making the appeal files a written
request with the City Council for a hearing
within ten (10) days after receipt of notice of
the action of the Appeal Board. A written request
to the City Council stays the action of the
Appeal Board in deny~ ng or revoking a
regjstration until the City Council renders a
final decision.
Section 9-1-5.3 If a request for an appeal hearing with the City
Council is filed within the ten (10) day
period, the City Council shall hear and consider
evidence offered by any interested person. The
formal rules of evidence do not apply to an
appeal hearing before the City Council. The City
Council shall decide the appeal on the basis of a
preponderance of the evidence presented at the
hearing. The City Council shall affirm or reverse
the action of the Appeal Board by a majority
vote; failure to reach a majority decision on a
motion shall leave the Appeal Board's decision
unchanged. The result of an appeal hearing before
the City Council is final. The City Council must
render a decision at the next regular scheduled
City Council meeting after the appeal is filed.
Section 9-- 1-6 Guard Dogs
Any person having care, control, or custody of
any dog which has received guard dog training
must register such dog with the City . Any dog
which has received guard dog training may be
ANIMAL CONTROL ORD~ANCE Page 8
disposed of pursuant to the provisions of this
article. The Animal Control Warden may use such
force as is reasonably necessary to protect the
health, safety add welfare of the citizens of the
City in apprehending a guard dog which is found
running at large . The owners or keepers of a
guard dog shall be subject to the other
provisions of this section . An ID collar
identifying the dog as a guard dog must be worn
at all times, and the dog must wear a muzzle when
out of confinement.
Section 9-1-7 Impoundmerit o£ Animals
Section 9-1-7.1 Animals Which May be Impounded:
(A) Cats and dogs not exhibiting evidence of
being vaccinated or registered, as described
in Section 4 of this ordinance.
(B) Any animal infected or kept under conditions
which could endanger the public or animal
health.
(C) Any animal that creates a nuisance.
(D) Any animal running-at-large, as provided
in Section 3 of this Chapter.
(E) Any animal treated in a manner determined by
the Animal Control Warden to be cruel or
inhumane.
(F) Any animal that has bitten a human being, or
needs to be placed under observation for
rabies determination, as determined by an
Animal Control Warden.
(G) Any animal found to be in violation of any
provision of this ordinance.
Section 9-1-7.2 Confinement of Animal On Premises of Another. If
any of the animals named in this article are
found upon the premises of any person, the owner
or occupant of the premises may confine such
animal in a humane manner until he can notify the
Animal Control Warden to come and impound such
animal. When so notified, it shall be the duty of
an Animal Control Warden to have such animal
impounded as herein provided.
Section 9-1-7.3 City To Establish A Pound. The City shall select
and establish a place for impounding sll animals
impounded under any provision of this ordinance.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 9
Section 9-1- 7.4 Animal Control Warden To Notify Owner of
Impounded Animal or Livestock. Reasonable effort
shall be made by an Animal Control Warden to
contact the owner of any animal impounded which
is wearing a current registration tag; however,
final responsibility for location of an impounded
animal is that of the owner.
Section 9-1-7.5 Redemption of Impounded Animals by Owner. The
owner can resume possession of any impounded
animal upon payment of impoundment fees, handling
fees, and any veterinarian bills incurred by
Animal Control for the welfare of the animal and
upon compliance with vaccination and registration
provisions of this code, except as prohibited
below:
(A) Disposition of animals impounded on the
grounds of cruel or inhumane treatment
shall be determined by the court of
jurisdiction.
(B) If any animal is being held under
qaarantjne or observation for rabies, the
owner shall not be entitled to possession
until it has been released from
quarantine.
Section 9-1-7.6 Impoundment Fees and Handling Charges.
(A) Impoundment fees shall be:
(1) Class A: Dogs and cats (each cat or
dog spayed or neutered)
First Second Third Fourth
Imp. in Imp. in Imp. in Imp. in
12 Mths 12 Mths 12 Mths 12 Mths
$10.00 $20.00 $40.00 $80.00
Unspayed and unneutered:
First Second Third Fourth
Imp. in Imp . in Imp. in Imp . in
12 Mths 12 Mths 12 Mths 12 Mths
$]5.00 $30.00 $60.00 $120.00
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 10
[If proof of surgical sterilization
is provided within fifteen (15) days
from the date an animal is registered,
the difference in impoundment and
other fees between sterilization and
unsteriI~zation will be refunded.]
Dogs and cats under the age of one
year shall be charged the
sterilization fee . Animals may be
exempted from sterilization upon
written recommendation from a licensed
veterinarian that such alternatives
would be harmful or dangerous to the
animal. Owners of these animals are to
be subject to the lower impoundment
fee.
(2) Class B: Small livestock, such as:
goats, sheep , lambs, calves, foals ,
and animals of the same approximate
size and wejght, each animal:
First Second Third Fourth
Imp. in Imp. in Imp. in Imp. in
12 Mths 12 Mths 12 Mths 12 Mths
$30.00 $40.00 $50.00 $60.00
(3) Class C: Large Livestock, such as:
cattle, horses, ponies, mules, and
animals of the same approximate size
and weight, each animal:
First Second Third Fourth
Imp. in Imp. in Imp. in Imp. in
12 Mths 12 Mths 12 Mths 12 Mths
$50.00 $60.00 $70.00 $80.00
(4) Class D: Wild Animals: For wild
animals requiring capture by division
personnel:
SAME AS CLASS C
If animal already contained:
SAME AS CLASS A (NEUTERED)
NOTE: The Animal Control Warden shall
determine the °class ' of any animal
not listed above.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 11
(B) Daily Handling Fees. A daily handling fee
shall be charged for every day, or fraction
thereof , that an animal is at the animal
shelter. Said fee shall be based upon the
class of animal enumerated in paragraph 1)
above:
Class A ............ $ 7.00
Class B ............ $ 8.00
Class C ............ $10.00
Class D ............ $10.00
(C) Observation Fees for Animals in Quarantine.
The owner of any animal held in quarantine
for observation purposes shall be charged
five dollars ($5.00) for every day or
fraction of a day an animal is at the animal
shelter. This is in addition to any
impoundment or daily handling fee.
(D) Other Fees . Any other costs that have
incurred by the City may be charged to the
owner or adopting party.
Section 9-1-7.7 Impounded Animals to Be Euthanized.
(A) Any animal, except vicious or wild animals,
not reclaimed by the owner may be humanely
euthanized after being impounded for one
hundred ninety-two (192) hours, except that
any animal wearing a current registration
and/or vaccination tag shall be impounded
for ten (10) days.
(B) Any impounded vicious or wild animal, unless
there is reason to believe that it has an
owner, may be immediately disposed of as may
be deemed appropriate by an Animal Control
Warden.
(C) Any nursing baby animal impounded without
the mother , or where the mother cannot or
refuses to provide nutritious milk, may be
immediately euthanized to prevent further
suffering.
(D) An owner who no longer wishes responsibility
for an animal, or believes the animal to be
in an ill or injured condition, may sign a
written waiver supplied by the Animal
Control Warden allowing the animal to be
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 12
immediately euthanized in a humane manner,
provided that no warm blooded animal that
has bitten a human being shall be euthanized
until the Local Health Authority or the
veterinarian supervising the quarantine has
released the animal from such quarantine
status. The quarantine shall be for a period
of not less than ten (10) days.
(E) Any impounded animal that appears to be
suffering from extreme injury or illness may
be euthanized or given to a nonprofit humane
organization by the Animal Control Warden.
Section 9-1-7.8 Adoption of Impounded Animals.
(A) Any impounded cat or dog not wearing a
registration certificate may be given up for
adoption after ninety-six (96) hours, except
those under quarantine. Any impounded cat or
dog wearing a registration certificate may
be given up for adoption on the seventh
(7th) day of confinement . If the rightful
owner appears for his cat or dog within
thirty (30) days of adoption, he may redeem
the animal by paying the adoptee all
documented expenses incurred for the animal.
(B) An individual may adopt an animal (dogs and
cats only) from the City Animal shelter
under the following conditions:
(1) The animal has been classified as
adoptable by the Animal Control Warden.
(2) The prospective adopter has proper
facilities to care for the animal.
(3) The prospective adopter obtains all
necessary vaccinations and
registrations at his expense.
(4) Tbe fee for adoption shall by ten
dollars ($10.00) plus cost incurred in
item (3) above. The purchaser of any
dog or cat must have it vaccinated ,
spayed , or neutered, and obtain a
registration within thirty (30) days
after purchase, or the Animal Control
Warden shall have the right of
immediate return of the animal to the
animal shelter, provided the Animal
Control Warden shall allow additional
time in the case of dogs or cats less
than six (6) months of age.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 13
(C) The Animal Control Warden may refuse to
allow a person to adopt a cat or dog of whom
he has reason to believe:
(1) Would not be able to obtain a
registration certificate under
restrictions of this ordinance.
(2) Would not have proper facilities to
contain or care for the animal, as
required by this ordinance.
(3) Wants the dog or cat for the purpose of
resale or for purposes other than pet
ownership.
(4) Would not be a suitable owner within
the sole discretion of the Animal
Control Warden.
(5) That the cat or dog would be a hazard
to humans or other animals.
Section 9-1-8 Animal Quarantine an~ Rabies Control
Section 9-1-8.1 Animal Control Warden Can Order Quarantine of
Animals. The Animal Control Warden shall have the
authority to order the quarantine of animals
responsible for bite incidents, or suspected of
having any zoonotic disease considered to be a
hazard to the human population or other animals.
All animal bite reports shall be investigated by
Animal Control. The Animal Control Warden shall
direct the disposition of any animal suspected of
being rabid or having any other zoonotic disease
considered to be a hazard to any other animal or
human being.
Section 9-1-8.2 Quarantine of Animals which Have Bitten. Every
animal that bites a human or attacks another
animal in an unnatural manner, shall be
immediately confined by the owner , who shall
promptly notify the Animal Control Warden, of the
place where such animal is confined and the
reason therefor. The owner shall not permit such
animal to come in contact with any other person
or animal. The owner shall surrender possession
of such animal to the Animal Control Warden on
demand for supervised quarantine. Supervised
quarantine shall be at the animal shelter or a
veterinary hospital, or by any other method of
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 14
adequate confinement approved by the Animal
Control Warden. The quarantine shall not be for
less than ten (10) days and shall be under the
supervision of a veterinarian, who shall submit
to Animal Control written reports as to the
animal's health on the initial day of observation
and on the fifth (5th) and tenth (lOth) days
immediately following the date of said bite
incident or above enumerated purposes of
quarantine. A release from quarantine may be
issued if no signs of rabies have been observed
during the quarantine period.
Any animal quarantined other than at the animal
shelter shall be observed by the same
veterinarian throughout the entire required
quarantine period in the same manner as outlined
above, and the owner shall immediately notify the
Animal Control Warden as to the veterinarian
supervising the quarantine.
If the Animal Control Warden orders quarantine
other than in the anSmal shelter or veterinary
hospital , the owner shall be responsible for
confining the animal. He shall also be required
to obtain the same veterinary supervision of the
animal, and release from quarantine as required
in a veterinary hospital or at the animal
shelter.
Any person having possession of, or
responsibility for, any quarantined animal shall
immediately notify the Animal Control Warden if
such animal escapes, or becomes or appears to
become sick, or dies; and, in case of death of
the animal while under quarantine, shall
immediately surrender the dead animal to the
Animal Control Warden for diagnostic purposes.
Section 9-1-8.3 Violating Quarantine Restrictions Just Cause For
Impoundment. The violation of quarantine by any
person shall be just cause for seizure and
impoundment of the quarantined animal by Animal
Control. It shall be unlawful for any person to
interrupt the observation period.
Section 9--1-8.4 Killing or Removing of Animal Suspected of Rabies
or Placed under Quarantine from City Unlawful.
Without permission of tbe Animal Control Warden,
it shall be unlawful for any person to kill or
remove from the city limits any animal that has
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 15
bitten a person or other animal, or that has been
placed under quarantine, except when it is
necessary to kill such animal to protect the life
or any person or other animal.
Section 9 1-8.5 Carcasses of Dead Animals Suspected of Rabies to
be St~rrendered to Animal Control Warden. The
carcass of any dead animal exposed to rabies, or
suspected of having been rabid, shall, upon
demand , be surrendered to the Animal Control
Warden.
Section 9--1-8.6 Disposition of Animals Exposed to Rabies. Any
person having knowledge of the existence of any
animal known to have been, or suspected of being,
exposed to rabies must immediately report such
knowledge to the Animal Control Warden or City
Health Inspector, giving any information which
may be required. For any animal known to have
been, or suspected of being, exposed to rabies,
the animal shall be handled in one (1) of the
following manners:
(A) Humane destruction, with notification to, or
under supervision of, the Animal Control
Warden.
(B) If not currently vaccinated, quarantine in a
veterinary hospital for at least six (6)
months immediately following the date of the
exposure, or
(C) If currently vaccinated, immediate
revaccination and quarantine for a least
thirty (30) days immediately following the
date of the exposure.
If a veterinarian determines that the quarantined
an imal does not show the clinical signs of
rabies , it may be released to the owner upon
expiration of the quarantine period provided the
owner has paid all of the reasonable costs of
such quarantine and any veterinarian bills.
However , if the quarantined animal does show
clinical signs of rabies , the animal shall be
humanely destroyed and its head or brain
submitted to the nearest laboratory, certified by
the Texas Department of Health for rabies
diagnosis, for testing.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 16
No wild animal will be placed in quarantine. All
wild animals will be humanely destroyed in such
manner that the brain is not mutilated. The brain
will then be submitted to a laboratory ,
certified for rabies diagnos~s, in order to be
tested.
Section 9--1-8.7 Unlawful to Fail or Refuse to Surrender Animal
for Quarantine or Destruction. No person shall
fail or refuse to surrender an animal for
sapervised quarantine or humane destruction, as
required herein for rabies control, when demand
therefor is made by an Animal Control Warden.
Section 9-1-9 Animal ~uisa~ces
The following shall be considered a public
nuisance and shall be unlawful:
(A) The keeping of any animal , which causes
frequent or long continued offensive odors
in the vicinity.
(B) The keeping of any animal in such a manner
as to endanger the public health; to annoy
neighbors by the accumulation of animal
wastes which cause foul and offensive odors,
or are considered to be a hazard to any
other animal or human being; or by continued
presence on the premises of another.
(C) All animal pens, stables or enclosures in
which any animal may be kept or confined
which, from use, have become offensive to a
person of ordinary sensitivities.
(D) The keeping of bees in such a manner as to
deny the lawful use of adjacent property or
endanger personal health and we]fare.
(E) Persistent laxness in supervision of animals
that this results in disturbance to persons
of ordinary sensibilities.
(F) It shall be unlawful and a public
nuisance for any person to harbor or keep on
his premises, or in or about his premises,
or premises under his control, any dog or
animal of the dog kind, which by loud or
unusual barking or howling
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 17
shall cause the peace or quiet of the
neighborhood or the occupants of adjacent
premises to be disturbed.
Section 9-1-10 ~nimals Prohibite~ as Novelties
Section 9-1-10.1 Unlawful to Sell, Barter, or Give Away Fowl under
Three (3) Weeks Old and Rabbits under Two (2)
Months Old. It shall be unlawful for any person
to sell, offer for sale, barter, or give away as
toys, premiums or novelties, baby chickens,
ducklings or other fowl under three (3) weeks
old; rabbits under two (2) months old; unless the
manner or method of display is first approved by
the Animal Control Warden.
Section 9-1-10.2 Unlawful to Sell or Give Away Colored, Dyed or
Stained Fowl or Rabbits. It shall be unlawful to
color, dye, stain, or otherwise change the
natural color of any chickens, ducklings, other
fowl, or rabbits, or to possess for the purpose
of sale or to be given away, any of the above
mentioned animals which have been so colored.
Section 9-1-11 Wild Aninals Prohibited
It shall be unlawful to keep any wild animal
inside the City of Coppell.
Section 9--1-12 Vicious Animals
Section 9-1-12.1 Vicious Animals Runnin2-At-Lar2e Prohibited. It
shall be unlawful to release or allow to run-at-
large any wild or vicious animal. The Animal
Control Warden or any peace officer of the City
may use such force as is necessary to protect the
health, safety and welfare in apprehending or
preventing any such vicious or wild animal to run
at large.
Section 9-1--12.2 Animal Control Warden May Order Expulsion of
Vicious Animal From City. The Animal Control
Warden may order in writing any owner or person
having care, control, or custody of any vicious
animal to take such animal permanently from the
city . This animal must be removed immediately
following receipt of such written order, unless
an appeal is immediately initiated as provided
herein.
The owner or person having care, custody, or
control of a vicious animal must report the
disposition and relocation of such animal to the
Animal Control Warden, in writing, within ten
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 18
(10) days after the expiration date for removal
of such animal from the City. Each day thereafter
that such information is not provided shall
constitute a separate offense.
The Animal Control Warden shall be authorized to
obtain a search and seizure warrant if there is
reason to believe that an animal ordered removed
from the City for being vicious has not been so
removed.
Section 9-1-12.3 Failure to Remove Vicious Animal from City. If
the owner or person having care, custody or
control of a vicious animal fails to remove such
animal as provided for in subsection 12.2 of this
section, such animal may be impounded pursuant to
the seizure warrant authorized by subsection
12.2, and thereafter such animal may be disposed
of as provided for herein.
Section 9--1-13 APPEAL FOR REMOVAL OF VICIOUS ANIMALS
Section 9-1-13.1 If any person is ordered, in writing, to remove a
vicious animal from the City, they may appeal the
written order to the Animal Control Appeal Board
created by this ordinance, by filing with the
City Manager a written request for a hearing
within ten (10) days after receipt of the written
order. The filing of a request for an appeal
hearing with the City Manager stays an action of
the City ordering the removal of s vicious animal
from the City until the Appeal Board makes a
final decision. If a request for an appeal
hearing is not made within the ten (]0) day
period, the order to remove is final.
Section 9-1-13.2 The Appeal Board shall elect a Chairman from its
memebers. The Board at an appeal hearing shall
consider evidence offered by any interested
person. The formal rules of evidence do not apply
to an appeal hearing; the Appeal Board shall make
their decision on the basis of a preponderance of
the evidence presented at the hearing. The Board
must render a decision within fifteen (15) days
after the request for an appeal hearing is filed.
The Board shall affirm or reverse the denial or
revocation, and their decision is final unless
the person making the appeal files a written
request with the City Council for a hearing
within ten (10) days after receipt of notice of
the action of the Appeal Board. A written request
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 19
to the City Council stays the action of the
Appeal Board in ordering the removal of a
vicious animal from the City,
Section 9-1-13o3 If a request for an appeal hearing with the C~ty
Council is filed within the ten (10) day period,
the City Council shall hear and consider evidence
offered by any interested person. The formal
rules of evidence do not apply to an appeal
hearing before the City Council. The City Council
shall decide the appeal on the basis of a
preponderance of the evidence presented at the
hearing. The City Council shall affirm or reverse
the action of the Animal Control Appeal Board by
a majority vote; failure to reach a majority
decision on a motion shall leave the Appeal
Board ' s decision unchanged. The result of an
appeal hearing before the City Council is final.
The City Council must render a decision at the
next regular scheduled City Council meeting after
the appeal is filed.
Section 9-1--14 Fighting ~ni~ls
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, own,
maintain , harbor or bring into the corporate
limits of the City of Coppell any dog or other
animal which has been used or trained in the
so-called sport of animal fighting. If it comes
to the attention of the Animal Control Warden
that such a fighting animal is being kept,
into the ity o
maintained harbored or brought C f
Coppell, written notice shall be given by the
Animal Control Warden to the owner of said animal
to remove such animal from the limits of the City
within ten (10) days of receipt of such notice.
Thereafter, each day such animal remains in the
City shall constitute a separate violation of
this ordinance. In addition to the penal remedy
set forth herein , the City may seek a
determination and order of a court of competent
jurisdiction that said animal is an animal used
or trained in the so-called sport of animal
fighting, does constitute a public nuisance, and
should be removed from the City or impounded or
destroyed.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 20
Section 9-1-15 Regulating CoRercial Businesses Associated ~ith
Aninals
Section 9-.1-15.1 Permit Required for Commercial Businesses. No
person shall conduct the commercial business of
selling, grooming, breeding, showing, exhibiting
or boarding of animals without a valid permit
from the Animal Control Warden.
Section 9-1-15.2 Compliance with All ReRulations Required. Every
person engaged in the business of buying,
selling, grooming, breeding, showing, exhibiting
or boarding of animals, and all persons who
conduct animal club shows, must comply with all
existing regulations governing said business or
show, and shall maintain said animals in
compliance with this ordinance so as not to
endanger the public or animal health or safety,
or create a nuisance.
Section 9-1-15.3 Records to be Kept. Every person holding a permit
hereunder shall maintain accurate records of all
transactions involving animals, which records
shall show the date, type of animal, animal
registration number, and parties to such
transaction. Such records shall be kept for a
period of one (1) year and must be available for
· nspection upon request by the Animal Control
Warden.
Section 9-1-15.4 Application for Permit. Application for permits
shall be made to the Animal Control Warden on
forms furnished by Animal Control . The
application will not be spproved until
certification has been received from appropriate
city officials that the zoning, construction and
facility comply with existing ordinances for
establishments housing such business. If the
permit application is approved by the Animal
Control Warden , he shall issue the permit upon
payment of the appropriate fee.
The Animal Control Warden shall make any
inspections necessary to assure compliance under
this section . Animals shall be kept under
sanitary conditions so as not to endanger the
public or animal health, or create a nuisance.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 21
Section 9-.1-15.5 Duration and Renewal of Permit. All permits
~ssued under this section shall be valid for the
following twelve (12) months and shall be renewed
annually thereafter by proper written application
and payment of fee. No permit issued under this
section sball be renewed without the approval of
the Animal Control Warden. Permits to show or
exhibit animals (rodeos, circuses, shows, etc.)
shall be valid only for the thirty (30) day
period immediately following issue. No permit
shall be transferable.
Section 9-1-15.6 Permit Fees. The following fees shall be charged
for:
(A) Show or exhibition ............... $25.00
(B) Grooming ......................... $25.00
(C) Dealer (Retail and/or Wholesale
Distributor ...................... $50.00
(D) Commercial (not Covered by
Dealer) .......................... $75.00
(E) Commercial Stables ............... $100.00
Persons requiring more than one (1) such permit
shall be charged one (1) fee for all of the
permits. Such fee shall be equal to the amount of
the highest individual permit fee which would
have been cbarged if the permits had been
separately issued.
Section 9-1-15.7 Permits to be Prominently Displayed. All
businesses described in this section must display
the required permits in public view at said
business.
Section 9--1-15.8 Exemptions.
(A) In cases involving a scientific or
ed uc at io na 1 p r o g r a m, a nonprofit
organization's show, exhibition, or humane
activity, or animals owned by the city, the
Animal Control Warden may waive in writing
any requirements of this section concerning
permits, fees, or conditions within his
discretion.
(B) Licensed veterinarians and veterinary
clinics are exempt from this section.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 22
Section 9-1-15.9 Animal Trapping and Poisonin~ Without Permit
Prohibited . Any form of animal trapping or
poisoning without a permit from the Animal
Control Warden is prohibited.
Section 9--1-15.10 Revocation of Permits. The Animal ControI Warden
may revoke ~n writing any permit for failure to
comply with regulations contained here~n.
Section 9 1-16 APPEAL OF REVOCATION OF PERMITS
Section 9-1-16.1 If the C~ty revokes a permit under section
9-1-15, the permit holder may appeal such
revocation to the Animal Control Appeal Board
created by this ordinance, by filing with the
City Manager a written request for a hearing,
within ten (10) days after receipt of the
revocation. The filing of a request for an
appeal hearing with the City Manager stays an
action of the City revoking a permit until the
Appeal Board makes a final decision. If a
request for an appeal hearing is not made within
the ten (10) day period, the revocation is
final.
Section 9--1--16.2 The Appeal Board shall elected a Chairman from
its members. The Board at an appeal hearing
shall consider evidence offer ed by an y
interested person. The formal rules of evidence
do not apply to an appeal hearing; the Appeal
Board shall make their decision on the basis of
a preponderance of the evidence presented at the
hearing. The Board must render a decision within
fifteen (15) days after the reqnest for an
appeal hearing is filed. The Board shall affirm
or reverse the revocation, and their decision is
final unless the person making the appeal files
a written request with the City Council for a
hearing within ten (10) days after receipt of
notice of the action of the Appeal Board. A
written request to the City Council stays the
action of the Appeal Board in revoking a permit
until the City Council renders a final decision.
Section 9--1-16.3 If a request for an appeal hearing with the City
Council is filed within the ten (10) day period,
the City Council shall hear and consider
evidence offered by any interested person. The
formal rules of evidence do not apply to an
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 23
appeal hearing before the City Council. The City
Council shall decide the appeal on the basis of a
preponderance of the evidence presented at the
hearing. The City Council shall affirm or reverse
the action of the Appeal Board by a majority
vote; failure to reach a majority decision on a
motion shall leave the Appeal Board's decision
unchanged. The result of an appeal hearing before
the City Council is final. The City Council must
render a decision at the next regular scheduled
City Council meeting after the appeal is filed.
Section 9-1-17 Keeping of Liwestock
Section 9-1-17.1 Keepin~ of Swine Prohibited in City. It shall be
unlawful for a person to keep any swine within
the city limits.
Section 9-1-17.2 Keepin~ of Cows or Horses. It shall be unlawful
for any person to keep a cow or horse on any
premises, the overall area of which is less than
one-third (1/3) of an acre for each cow or horse
kept , or keep more than can be cared for under
sanitary conditions and not create a pubIic
nuisance and , in no event, exceed the permitted
number of adults and their foals or calves up to
six (6) months of age. The number of cows or
horses permitted shall not exceed one adult per
one-third (1/3) acre for the first acre, and two
(2) adults per acre for each additional acre over
two (2) acres of a single tract of land . The
persons in lawful possession of the premises, as
owner or tenant, may keep thereon cows or horses
belonging to others, but limitation to number of
cows or horses on the premises and the area and
distance requirements of this section shall still
apply; and keeping of cows or horses for others
shall not be done as a business in violation of
the zoning ordinance~
Section 9-1-17.3 Enclosure Requirements for Small Livestock.
CA) Fencing: Any enclosure, pen, corral, or
other restrictive areas for small livestock
shall consist of a solid wall stretching
from the ground to at least four feet (4')
in height, that does not sway or give way
when tested by an Animal Control Warden, or
shall consist of a fence. Such a fence must
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 24
have at least sixteen (16) gauge wire
arranged in a grid pattern (hogwire) with
the maximum size of any grid in the wire
being seven and one-half inches (7 1/2") by
twelve inches (12"). This wire pattern must
stretch continuously from the ground to at
least thirty-two inches (32") above the
ground . Above this wire pattern must be
stretched tautly at least two (2) strands of
at least sixteen (]6) gauge wire with one
(1) of these strands at least four feet (4')
above the ground . The maximum distance
allowed between fence posts shall be fifteen
feet (15'). The fence posts must not sway
more than six inches (6") when tested by an
Animal Control Warden. Trees may not be used
as fence posts.
(B) Gates: Gates for such a small livestock
enclosure shall be mounted on hinges to a
solid wall or fence post and stretch from
the ground to at least four feet (4') above
the ground . Such a gate must connect with
another fence post or solid wall in such a
manner that small livestock cannot pass
through it , and the gate itself must be
constructed so that there is not an opening
in it larger than seven and one-half inches
(7 1/2") by twelve inches (12").Such gates
must have a latch or chain attached, capable
of keeping the gate closed when tested by an
Animal Control Warden. Gates must be kept
closed except when a human being is passing
through a gate.
Section 9o-1-17.4 Enclosure Requirements for Large Livestock.
(A) Fencing: Any enclosure, corral, or
restrictive area for large livestock shall
consist of a solid wall stretching from the
ground to at least four feet (4') above the
ground, that does not sway or give way when
tested by an Animal Control Warden; or shall
consist of a fence. Such a fence must have
at least sixteen (16) gauge wire stretched
tautly between fence posts. Such a fence
shall have at least four (4) strands of wire
with one (1) strand one foot (1') above the
ground and one (]) strand at least four feet
(4') above the ground.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORUINANCE Page 25
The maximum distance between fence posts
shall be fifteen feet (15'). The fence posts
must not sway more than six inches (6") when
tested by an Animal Control Warden. Trees
may not be used as fence posts.
(B) Gates: Gates for large livestock shall be
mounted on hinges to a solid wall or fence
and stretch from one foot (1') above the
ground to at least four feet (4') above the
ground . Such a gate must connect with
another fence post or solid wall in such a
manner that large livestock cannot pass
through it , and the gate itself must be
constructed so that there is not an opening
in it large enough for large livestock to
pass through. Such gates must have a latch
or chain attached capable of keeping the
gate closed when tested by an Animal Control
Warden . Gates must be kept closed, except
when a human being is actually passing
through a gate.
Section 9--1-17.5 Enclosure Requirements when Both Small and Large
Livestock are Kept Together. When small and large
livestock are kept together the standards for
small livestock must be met.
Section 9-1-17.6 Restrictin~ Confinement of Livestock Near
Residences or Adioinin~ Residential Property.
(A) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm,
or corporation to keep on premises under his
or its control, within the city limits, any
small or large livestock in such a manner
that the livestock will be quartered closer
than a hundred feet (100') from any human
living quarters , other than the owner or
keeper's living quarters.
(B) Any pen or enclosure shall be maintained in
such a manner as to be not less than ten
feet (10') from an adjoining residentially
zoned property.
Section 9-1-17.7 BreedinR of Equines to be Confined and
Controlled. Male equines (horses) capable of
breeding will be confined in such a manner that
said animal will not be dangerous to human
beings, and all breeding will be under the
control of the owner or handler.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORuiNANCE Page 26
Section 9--1-18 Samitarl Requirements for leeping of Animals
Section 9-1-18.1 Generally. The owner or person in possession of
animals shall keep yards, pens, and enclosures in
which such animals are confined in such a manner
so as not to give off odors offensive to persons
of ordinary sensibilities residing in the
vicinity , or to breed or attract flies ,
mosquitoes, or other noxious insects, or, in any
manner, to endanger the public health or safety,
or create a public nuisance.
Section 9-1-18.2 Sanitary Regulations for Initial Pens or
Enclosures. All persons keeping such animals
shall comply with the following sanitary
regulations:
(A) Manure and droppings shall be removed from
pens, stables, yards, cages and other
enclosures at least twice weekly and handled
or disposed of in such manner as to keep the
premises free of any nuisance.
(B) Mound storage of droppings or manure between
such removals shall be permitted only under
such conditions as to protect against the
breeding of flies and to prevent migration
of fly larvae (maggots) into the surrounding
soil.
(C) The feeding of vegetables, meat scraps, or
garbage shall be done only in impervious
containers or on an impervious platform.
(D) Watering troughs or tanks shall be provided
which sha] 1 be equipped with adequate
facilities for draining the overflow so as
to prevent the breeding of flies,
mosquitoes, or other insects.
(E) No putrescible material shall be allowed to
accumulate on the premises, and all such
material used to feed which is unconsumed
shall be removed and disposed of by burial
or other sanitary means.
Section 9-1-19 ]~et Care
The following are established as guidelines for
pet and animal care and not intended to
contravene with the provisions for animal cruelty
as contained in the Texas Penal Code.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 27
Section 9-1-.19.1 Unlawful to not Provide for Adequate and Humane
Care and Shelter for Animals. No owner shall fail
to provide his animals with sufficient good and
wholesome food and water, proper shelter and
protection from the weather, veterinary care when
needed to prevent suffering, and with humane care
and treatment.
Section 9--1-19.2 Abusing Animals or InstiRatinR Animal FiRhts
Prohibited . No person shall beat, cruelly
ill-treat, torment, overload, overwork, or
otherwise abuse an animal; or cause, instigate,
or permit any dogfight, cockfight, bullfight, or
other combat between animals or between animals
and humans.
Section 9-~1-19.3 Abandonin~ Animals Prohibited. No owner of an
animal shall abandon such animal.
Section 9-1-19.4 Unlawful to Crop DoR's Ears Unless Veterinarian.
No person shall crop a dog's ears, except when a
licensed veterinarian issues a signed certificate
that the operation is necessary for the dog' s
health and comfort, an in no event shall any
person except a licensed veterinarian perform
such an operation.
Section 9-1-19.5 Vehicle Operators to Stop upon Strikin~ Animal,
Render Assistance, and then Report Such Incident.
Any person who, as the operator of a motor
vehicle, strikes a domestic animal shall stop at
once and render such assistance as may be
possible and shall immediately report such injury
or death to the appropriate local law enforcement
agency.
SECTION 2. REPEALING CLA~$~
All ordinances , or parts of ordinances, inconsistent or in
conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby
repealed.
SECTION 3, SEVeRABILITY CLAUS]~
If any article, paragraph or subdivision, clause or provision
of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or held
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of this
ordinance as a whole or any part or provision thereof, other than
the part so decided to be invalid or unconstitutional.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Page 28
SECTION 4. P~NALTY
Any person, firm or corporation vio]ating any of the
provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a penalty
of fine not to exceed the sum of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for
each offense, except where a different penalty has been
established by State Law for such offense, the penalty shall be
that fixed by state law and for any offense which is a violation
of any provision that governs fire safety, zoning, public health
and sanitation, other than vegetation and litter violations, a
penalty of fine not to exceed the sum of One Thousand Dollars
($1,000.00) for each offense, and each and every day such offense
is continued shall constitute a new and separate offense.
SECTION 5. EFF~CTI~
This ordinance shall take effect immediately from and after
the publication of its caption, as the law in such cases provides.
Texas, this day of D~c~j2~_~ , 1987.
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
T ~
I Y