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ORDINANCE NO. O-2018-6037

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 8, CODE OF ORDINANCES
(2018 EDITION), CITY OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS, REGARDING
ANIMALS; AND PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS CLAUSE AND
REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROUND ROCK,
TEXAS:
I.

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That Chapter 8, Code of Ordinances (2018 Edition), City of Round Rock, Texas,

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is hereby replaced in its entirety and shall read as follows:

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CHAPTER 8 ANIMALS
ARTICLE I.

IN GENERAL

Sec. 8-1. Purpose and intent.
The purposes of this chapter are to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the
citizens of the city and to ensure the humane treatment of animals by regulating the care and
control of animals within the city.

Sec. 8-2. Definitions.

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When used in this chapter, the following words, terms, and phrases, and their derivations shall
have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a
different meaning:

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Animal means any live creature, both domestic and wild, except humans. The term "animal"
includes fowl, fish, and reptiles.

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Animal control means the animal control division of the city police department.

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Animal control officer means an employee or agent of the city, designated by the chief of police to
administer and enforce the licensing, inspection, and enforcement requirements contained within
this chapter.

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Animal hospital means any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for
surgery, diagnosis, and treatment of animal diseases and injuries.

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Animal nuisance means any nuisance arising out of the keeping, maintaining or owning of, or
failure to exercise sufficient control of, an animal.

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Animal sShelter means any facility operated by the city for the temporary care, confinement and
detention of animals and for the humane killing and other disposition of animals. The term shall
also include any private or public facility authorized by the city to impound, confine, detain, care
for or destroy any animal. the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.
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Apiary means a place where one or more bee hives are kept.

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At large means that an animal is:

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(1) On the premises of the owner and is not tied, staked, or restrained securely within an
enclosure or fence capable of fully and totally securing the animal; or

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(2) Off the premises of the owner, and is not on a leash under the immediate control of a
person physically capable of restraining the animal or is not restrained securely within an
enclosure or fence capable of fully and totally securing the animal.

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Bee means any stage of the common domestic honey bee, Apis mellifera species.

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Bee colony means a hive and related equipment and appurtenances including bees, comb,
honey, pollen, and brood.

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Cat means any member of the family felis domestica.

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Collar mean any properly fitted collar constructed of nylon, leather, or similar material, specifically
designed to be used for a dog.

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Cruelty means any act or omission whereby unjustifiable physical pain, suffering or death of an
animal is caused or permitted, including failure to provide proper drink, air, space, adequate
shelter or protection from the elements, a sanitary and safe living environment, veterinary care, or
nutritious food in sufficient quantity. In the case of activities where physical pain is necessarily
caused, such as in medical and scientific research, food processing, customary and normal
veterinary and agricultural husbandry practices, pest elimination, and animal training and hunting,
"cruelty" shall mean a failure to employ the most humane method reasonably available.

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Dangerous animal means one that has made an unprovoked attack on a human being or another
animal. A dangerous animal does not include guard or attack dogs as defined in this section, as
long as such guard or attack dogs are restrained and confined in compliance with article IX of this
chapter.

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Disposition means adoption, quarantine, voluntary or involuntary custodianship or placement, or
euthanasia humanely administered to an animal. The term "disposition" includes placement or
sale of an animal to the general public, or removal of animal from any pet shop to any other
location.

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Dog means any member of the family canis familiaris.

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Domestic animal includes livestock, caged or penned fowl, pigeons, normal household pets, such
as but not limited to dogs, cats, cockatiels, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, fish, or
small nonpoisonous reptiles or nonpoisonous snakes.

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Exotic or wild animal.

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(1) The term "exotic or wild animal" means any live monkey, alligator, crocodile, cayman,
raccoon, opossum, skunk, fox, wolf, hybrid wolf, sea mammal, bear, poisonous
venomous snake, nonhuman primate, prairie dog, African Serval, member of the feline
species other than domestic cat (felis domesticus), member of the canine species other
than domestic dog (canis familiarus) or any other animal that would require a standard of
care and control greater than that required for customary household pets sold by
commercial pet shops or livestock.

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(2) The term "exotic or wild animal" does not include domestic cats (excluding hybrids
with ocelots or margays), domestic dogs (excluding hybrids with wolves, coyotes or
jackals), farm animals, rodents, and captive-bred species of common cage birds.

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Feral cat means any member of the species felis catus that is undomesticated, wild, homeless,
untamed, or otherwise unaccustomed to human interaction. Other common names include stray
cat, barn cat, or community cat.

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Fowl means any goose, pheasant, chicken, prairie chicken, peacock, guinea, duck, turkey, and
other normally undomesticated fowl.

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Guard or attack dog means a dog trained to attack on command or to protect persons or property,
and who will cease to attack upon command.

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Hive means a structure intended to house a bee colony.

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Impoundment means the taking into custody of an animal by any police officer, animal control
officer, or any authorized representative thereof.

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Livestock means any horse, stallion, mare, gelding, filly, colt, mule, hinny, jack, jenney, all
species of swine, sheep, goat, llama, all species of cattle, or an emu, ostrich, or rhea.

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Muzzle means a device constructed of strong, soft material or of metal, designed to fasten over
the mouth of an animal to prevent the animal from biting any person or other animal.

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Microchip means an identifying integrated circuit placed under the skin of an animal. which uses
passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to identify the animal.

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Organized sporting or recreational event means any event which is held on a playing field or
other area located at a city-owned park or other city-owned property, and which requires the
participants to obtain prior approval of the parks and recreation department of the city for the use
of the city-owned park or other property.

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Owner means any person or persons, firm, association or corporation, having temporary or
permanent custody of, sheltering or having charge of, harboring, exercising control over, or
having property rights to, any animal covered by this chapter, including the caretaker of a feral cat
colony. An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for three or more
consecutive days.

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Playing field or area shall mean any portion of a city-owned park or other city-owned property on
which the participants in a sporting or recreational event may engage in an authorized activity,
and includes but is not limited to any areas designated for spectators to view said event, areas
where participants may rest while not engaged in said event, and any area where concession
stands are situated.

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Properly fitted means, with respect to a collar used for a dog, a collar that (a) is the appropriate
size for the dog based on the dog’s size and body weight, (b) does not choke the dog or impede

Feral cat colony means any population of two or more feral cats that have been released into an
area as part of a trap, neuter, and return program.
Flyway barrier means a solid wall, fence, dense vegetation, or combination of these materials at
least six feet high that extends at least 10 feet beyond the hives on each end of the colony.

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the dog’s normal breathing or swallowing, and (c) is attached to the dog in a manner that does
not allow for escape and does not cause pain or injury to the dog.

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Public nuisance animal means any animal that unreasonably annoys humans, endangers the life
or health of persons or other animals, or substantially interferes with the rights of citizens, other
than their owners, to enjoyment of life or property. The term "public nuisance animal" shall
include, but not be limited to:

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(1) Any animal that is found running at large more than three times in a 12-month period;

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(2) Any dog in a park or public recreation area unless the dog is controlled by a leash or
similar physical restraint;

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(3) Any animal that damages, soils, defiles, or defecates on any property other than that
of its owner;

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(4) Any animal found to be in violation of section 14-213 that makes disturbing noises,
including but not limited to continued and repeated howling, barking, whining, or other
utterances causing unreasonable annoyance, disturbance, or discomfort to neighbors or
others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored;

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(5) Any animal that causes fouling of the air by noxious or offensive odors and thereby
creates unreasonable annoyance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity
to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored;

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(6) Any animal in heat that is not confined so as to prevent attraction or contact with other
animals;

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(7) Any animal, whether or not on the property of its owner, that without provocation
molests, attacks, or otherwise interferes with the freedom of movement of persons in a
public right-of-way;

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(8) Any animal that chases motor vehicles in a public right-of-way;

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(9) Any animal that attacks a domestic animal;

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(10) Any animal that causes unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings where
that animal is kept or harbored;

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(11) Any animal that is offensive or dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare by
virtue of the number of animals maintained at a single residence or the inadequacy of the
facility.

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Riding stable/school or academy means a camp or school where horseback riding is taught on a
regular basis for financial gain.

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Sanitary means a condition of good order and cleanliness to minimize the possibility of disease
transmission.

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Shelter means a clean and sturdy structure that provides the animal with protection from rain,
hail, sleet, snow, subfreezing temperatures, sun and excessive heat and is large enough to allow
the animal to stand erect, sit, turn around, and lie down in a normal manner.

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Tract means a contiguous parcel of land under common ownership.

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Under restraint means that an animal is secured by a leash, or securely enclosed within the real
property limits of the owner's premises.

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Sec. 8-3. Nuisances.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any animal on any property located within the
corporate limits of the city when the keeping of such animal constitutes a public nuisance or
menace to public health or safety.

Sec. 8-4. Keeping of exotic or wild animals.
It shall be unlawful for anyone to own, harbor, maintain, have in their possession, have on their
premises or under their control, or permit at large any exotic or wild animal without the written
permission of the chief of police. Such permission shall be given only if it is demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the chief of police that the animal will not constitute a threat to public health or
safety. If evidence is presented to the chief of police that an exotic or wild animal is constituting a
threat to public health or safety, the chief shall have the discretion to revoke previously granted
permission to own or keep said animal. The owner of a dangerous wild animal as defined in Sec.
822.101 of the Texas Health and Safety Code shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 822,
Subchapter E of the said Code.

Sec. 8-5. Limit on number of animals permitted.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep animals within the city of such a number that the
animals constitute a public nuisance or menace to public health or safety.

Sec. 8-6. Limitations on number of fowl.

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(a) This section shall not apply to property zoned AG or SF-R.

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(b) It shall be unlawful to own or keep fowl within the corporate limits of the city unless the
number is limited and they are kept in enclosed pens as set forth below:

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(1) If fowl are confined within an enclosed pen which is located 50 feet or more from any
building or dwelling occupied by any person other than the owner of the fowl, the number
of fowl is limited to no more than ten.

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(2) If fowl are confined within an enclosed pen which is located less than 50 feet, but
more than 25 feet from any building or dwelling occupied by any person other than the
owner of the fowl, the number of fowl is limited to no more than five.

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Secs. 8-7—8-30.

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ARTICLE II.

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Sec. 8-31. Keeping of livestock.

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Reserved.

LIVESTOCK

(a) This article shall not apply to property zoned AG or SF-R.

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(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep livestock within the corporate limits of the city
unless the livestock is being kept in accordance with the following restrictions:

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(1) Livestock shall be kept on a parcel of land that is at least one acre in size.

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(2) There shall be no more than one unit (as defined below) of livestock for the first acre
of land. There shall be no more than one additional unit of livestock for each additional
one-half acre of land in the same parcel. For the purpose of this section, units of livestock
shall be defined as follows:

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a. The following types of livestock shall be counted as one head equals one unit:
horse, stallion, mare, gelding, filly, colt, mule, hinny, jack, jenny, llama, and all
species of cattle;

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b. The following types of livestock shall be counted as one head equals one-half
of a unit: all species of swine; and

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c. The following types of livestock shall be counted as one head equals one-fifth
of a unit: sheep, goat, emu, ostrich and rhea.

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(3) No livestock shall be permitted to graze, forage, or otherwise roam within 50 feet of
any dwelling, residence, or structure used for human occupancy (other than the livestock
owner's dwelling or residence).

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(4) Barns, stables, corrals, sheds, pens or other similar structure where livestock may be
housed, fed, or confined, or where food for livestock is stored shall not be located within
150 feet of any residence, business or commercial establishment or office (other than the
livestock owner's residence, business or commercial establishment or office), grocery
store, school building, church, hospital, nursing home, or restaurant or other food service
establishment.

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(5) Livestock shall be enclosed with adequate fences or barriers that will prevent such
livestock from damaging shrubbery or other property situated on adjacent property. Such
fences or barriers shall be sufficient to prevent the livestock from escaping the enclosure.

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(6) The owner keeping any livestock shall keep all yards, barns, pens, stables, sheds or
other enclosures in which such animals are confined in such a manner so as not to give
off odors offensive to persons of ordinary sensibilities in the immediate vicinity, or to
breed or attract flies, mosquitoes or other noxious insects or rodents, or in any manner to
endanger the public health, safety, or welfare, or to create a public nuisance. All yards,
barns, pens, stables, sheds or other enclosures in which livestock is confined shall be of
a size to allow said animals sufficient space to move freely and not endanger the health,
safety, or welfare of the animal or animals.

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(7) Subsections (b)(1) through (4) of this section shall not apply to a licensed veterinarian
at the veterinarian's place of business or a riding stable/school or academy.

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Sec. 8-32. Unlawful for livestock to be at large.
It shall be unlawful for any livestock to be at large off the property of the owner of the livestock.
The owner of the livestock found to be at large shall be responsible for the offense and no
culpable mental state is required.

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Sec. 8-33. Impoundment of livestock.
Animal control officers are authorized to impound all livestock in violation of sections 8-31 and 832, subject to terms and conditions established throughout this chapter. Livestock will be held by
a private contractor with the owner being responsible for all impound, transportation, boarding,
feeding and any other expenses incurred in impounding the livestock. All fees and charges must
be paid prior to release of the livestock.

Sec. 8-34. Liability.
To ensure the public safety and to avoid serious accidents, any livestock that is in danger of
getting on a public roadway will be tranquilized if possible or in extreme cases destroyed by
police officers or animal control officers. If it is necessary to tranquilize or destroy livestock to
prevent property damage or injuries, the city will not be liable for damages to the owners of said
livestock.

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ARTICLE III. EDUCATIONAL EXEMPTION PERMIT

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Sec. 8-57. Exemption for educational purposes.

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Sections 8-31(b)(1) through (4) and 8-6 shall not apply to school-age children enrolled in a public
or private school which offers Future Farmers of America (FFA) and/or 4-H Club programs in
which the class participants are required or allowed to raise project animals for education, show
or profit purposes as long as said children have a valid permit issued pursuant to Section 8-58
and in effect at the time.

Sec. 8-58. Permit.
(a) In order to qualify for the above exemption, the students are required to:

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(1) Apply for an annual FFA/4-H project permit. Said application shall be signed by the
student, the student's parent or guardian, and the student's FFA/4-H teacher/instructor.

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(2) Provide proof of enrollment in one of the listed school programs.

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(3) Provide proof that the animals being kept are an integral part of the student's
participation in one of the listed school programs.

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(4) Allow inspection by an animal control officer of the pens, cages, or other facilities and
property on which the animals are to be kept before issuance of the permit and at any
reasonable time requested thereafter.

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(b) A permit issued under this section shall be valid only upon the premises identified on the
permit and is nontransferable to any other location or person.

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(c) A permit issued under this section shall expire no later than 12 months from the date of
issuance, no later than the day the qualifying person ceases to be an active member in good
standing with the listed school program or no later than the day said permit is revoked as
provided below, whichever should occur first.

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(d) An animal control officer may deny the issuance of a permit or revoke a permit previously
issued based on any one of the following:

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(1) False information is provided on the application for the permit.

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(2) Two or more convictions for violations of this article by the student or the student's
parent or guardian.

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(3) If the animal control officer determines, in the officer's sole judgment, that the animals
cannot be or are not being kept at the location in a manner which does not create a
nuisance, public health hazard or otherwise violate any other provision of this article.

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(4) Graduation of the student from high school or the student otherwise not being enrolled
in good standing in the listed school program.

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ARTICLE IV. CARING FOR ANIMALS
Sec. 8-90. Basic care for animals.
It shall be unlawful for the owner or custodian of any animal to refuse or fail to provide such
animal with sufficient wholesome and nutritious food, potable water, veterinary care when needed
to prevent suffering, humane care and treatment, or to unnecessarily expose anyand adequate
shelter to protect such animal in from hot, stormy, cold or inclement weather.

Sec. 8-91. Safety of animals in parked vehicles; removal if necessary.
(a) It shall be unlawful to leave any animal unattended in any enclosed standing or parked vehicle
in such a way as to endanger the animal's health or safety for any length of time. Any animal
control officer or police officer is authorized to use reasonable force, including the breaking of a
side window, to remove an animal from a vehicle whenever it appears the animal's health or
safety is or soon will be endangered, and said neglected or endangered animal shall may be
impounded.
(b) It shall be unlawful to leave any animal in any unenclosed standing or parked vehicle unless
the animal is safely enclosed within the vehicle; and if the animal is in a standing or parked
unenclosed vehicle, including but not limited to such as convertibles, pickup trucks, jeeps, and
flatbed trucks, unless the animal shall be is confined by a vented container or cage, or by chain,
rope, or other devise cross-tied to prevent the animal from falling or jumping from the motor
vehicle or from strangling on a single leash.

Sec. 8-92. Abandonment of animals.
It shall be unlawful for any owner or custodian of any animal to willfully abandon such animal on
any street, road, highway or public place, or on private property when not in the care of another
person.

Sec. 8-93. Unsupervised animals.
If an animal control officer determines that an animal is or will be without proper care because of
the owner’s injury, illness, incarceration, or other involuntary absence, the animal control officer
may impound such animal until reclaimed by its owner. The owner is responsible for all costs
associated with the impoundment and must pay all costs before the animal is released. If the
animal is not reclaimed by the owner within five days 72 hours from the date of impoundment, the
animal shall become the property of the city aAnimal sShelter.

Sec. 8-94. Cages, pens, and enclosures.
Cages, pens and enclosures used to confine animals shall be of sufficient size to maintain all of
the animals within such enclosure comfortably and in good health. Said cages, pens and

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enclosures shall be of a proper material to securely contain all of the animals within such
enclosures at all times.

Sec. 8-95. Rabies vaccination.
(a) It shall be unlawful for the owner of a dog or cat, or caretaker of a feral cat colony to
fail to inoculate the dog or cat from rabies.
(b) It shall be unlawful for a dog or cat to be present in the city and not be vaccinated against
rabies. Every owner of a dog or cat shall furnish proof of rabies vaccination upon request by
an animal control officer. Failure to furnish proof upon request shall create a presumption that
the animal has not been vaccinated for rabies. The owner of the animal shall be responsible
for the offense and no culpable mental state is required

Sec. 8-96. Ill or injured animals.
If in the reasonable opinion of an animal control officer or police officer an animal’s life is
endangered due to illness or injury, the animal may be humanely euthanized after a
reasonable attempt is made to contact the animal’s owner.

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Secs. 8-9597—8-116.

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ARTICLE V. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

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Reserved.

Sec. 8-117: Unlawful actions.
It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully or maliciously strike, beat, abuse, or intentionally run
down with a vehicle any animal, or otherwise engage in any act to cause or inflict unnecessary
pain, injury, suffering, or death to such animal; except that reasonable force may be used to drive
away vicious or trespassing animals. It shall be unlawful to tease, annoy, disturb, molest or irritate
any animal that is confined to the owner's premises.

Sec. 8-118. Poisonous substances.
It shall be unlawful for any person, except a licensed veterinarian for humanitarian purposes, to
administer poison to any animal, or knowingly leave any poisonous substance of any kind or
ground glass in any place with the intent to injure any animal. The provisions of this section are
not applicable to licensed exterminators using poisons as part of a pest control program or the
use of commercial insecticides and rodent baits used to control insects and wild rodents.

Sec. 8-119. Violation.
If any person is found guilty of having violated any part of this article, any license or permit held
by such person under this chapter shall be automatically revoked.

Secs. 8-120—8-136.

Reserved.

ARTICLE VI. SANITATION
Sec. 8-137. Maintaining sanitary conditions on public property.
It shall be unlawful for any owner or custodian of any animal to cause or allow such animal to soil,
defile or defecate on any public property or upon any street, sidewalk, public way, play area or
common grounds owned jointly by the members of a homeowners or condominium association,
or upon private property other than that of the owner, unless such owner or custodian

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immediately removes and disposes of all feces deposited by such animal by the following
methods:

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(1) Collection of the feces by appropriate implement and placement in a paper or plastic
bag or other container; and

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(2) Removal of such bag or container to the property of the animal owner or custodian
and disposition thereafter in a manner as otherwise may be permitted by law.

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Sec. 8-138. Maintaining sanitary conditions of private property.
It shall be unlawful for any person owning, harboring or keeping an animal within the city to permit
any waste matter from the animal to collect and remain on the property of the owner or custodian,
or on the property of others so as to cause or create an unhealthy, unsanitary, dangerous or
offensive living condition on the owner's or custodian's property, or to abutting property of others,
or to the animal.

Sec. 8 -139. Maintaining sanitary conditions.
It shall be unlawful for any person owning, harboring, keeping, or in charge of any animal to
cause unsanitary, dangerous, or offensive conditions by virtue of the size or number of animals
maintained at a single location or due to the inadequacy of the facilities.

ARTICLE VII. LICENSING MICROCHIPPING OF DOGS AND CATS
Sec. 8-162.

License Microchip required.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, or harbor any dog or cat over the age of four
months within the city unless such dog or cat has been microchipped. been issued a valid,
current license by microchip registered with the city.
(b) It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution under subsection (a) of this section that the
animal was a feral cat participating in a trap, neuter, and return program approved by the city.
(c) It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution under subsection (a) of this section that the
animal has been in the city for less than thirty days.

Sec. 8-163. Application RegistrationDeadlines for Microchipping.
Application for Registration of such license microchip shall be made by the owner to the city
within ten 30 days after acquiring any dog or cat over four months of age or within ten 30 days
after a dog or cat becomes four months of age, provided that any owner moving to the city for the
purpose of establishing residence or becoming a resident as a result of any annexation, and
otherwise required to obtain a license microchip, shall have until ten 30 days after moving or
annexation to obtain and register such a license microchip.The owner of a dog or cat over the
age of four months shall microchip said animal within 30 days of the animal attaining the age of
four months. The owner of a dog or cat that has moved into or been annexed by the city shall
microchip said animal within 30 days of moving to or being annexed by the city.

Sec. 8-164. Proof of rabies vaccination required.
(a) All owners applying for a license registering a microchip must present a written certificate of
anti-rabies vaccination by a registered veterinarian duly licensed to practice by the Texas Board
of Veterinary Medical Examiners, or must otherwise show to the satisfaction of the licensing
registration authority of the city that the animal for which the license microchip is being obtained
has been inoculated against rabies in compliance with Texas Admin. Code § 169.29. Said
certificate must show the name and address of the owner of said dog or cat containing a

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description of the color, breed, sex and weight of said dog or cat together with the kind and
amount of vaccine used and the date of administration, and certifying that said dog or cat was so
vaccinated and immunized against rabies.

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(b) It shall be unlawful for a dog or cat to be present in the city and not be vaccinated against
rabies. Every owner of a dog or cat shall furnish proof of rabies vaccination upon request by an
animal control officer. Failure to furnish proof upon request shall create a presumption that the
animal has not been vaccinated for rabies. Additionally, an animal found in violation of section 8170 shall create a presumption that the animal has not been vaccinated against rabies. The
owner of the animal shall be responsible for the offense and no culpable mental state is required.

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Sec. 8-164. Updating microchip ownership information.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of a dog or cat to fail to keep the microchip ownership
information updated.

Sec. 8-165. Proof of sterilization.
Any owner claiming that his dog or cat has been spayed or neutered must show to the
satisfaction of the licensing registration authority of the city that such operation has been
performed.

Sec. 8-166. Payment of License microchipping fee.
A license microchipping fee shall be paid at the time of making application registration as required
by the licensing registration authority of the city. The fee schedule per animal licensed
microchipped shall be as currently established or as hereafter adopted by resolution of the city
council from time to time.

Sec. 8-167. Expiration and renewal.
A dog or cat’s license registered microchip shall be valid for one year after the date it was issued
the duration of its issuance and shall be renewed no later than the date of its expiration if
ownership of said animal is transferred, or the microchip malfunctions or is damaged or
destroyed.

Sec. 8-168. Exemption from License microchipping fee.
License Microchipping fees shall not be required for seeing eye dogs, government police dogs, or
dogs belonging to a nonresident of the city and kept within the boundaries of the city for not
longer than ten days, provided that all dogs of nonresidents shall at the time of entry into the city
be properly vaccinated against rabies, and while kept within the city, meet all other requirements
of this chapter. Service dog means a dog that is professionally and specifically trained to aid or
assist physically disabled persons by an organization recognized as reputable and competent in
training such animals when the dog is owned and used for that purpose by a physically disabled
person who has satisfactorily completed a specific course of training in the use of the dog. Any
owner claiming any of these exemptions has the burden of proving to the satisfaction of the
licensing registration authority that the dog or cat in question is entitled to such exemption.

Sec. 8-169. Issuance of License Tagsmicrochips.
Upon payment and acceptance of the license microchip fee and proof of rabies vaccination, either
the licensing registration authority of the city or a licensed veterinarian shall issue a durable
license tag microchip, stamped with the year of issuance and animplanted with the unique
identification number for the animal for which the license microchip has been obtained.

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Sec. 8-170. Requirement that Tags be Wornmicrochips be registered.
It shall be unlawful for any dog or cat for which the owner is required to obtain a license microchip
to not wear aregister and update the valid license tag microchip with their current contact
information at all times. securely attached to a collar around the neck of the dog. Cats are not
required to wear a license tag.

Sec. 8-171. Use of License Tagsmicrochips.
It shall be unlawful for any person to use a license microchip for any animal other than the animal
for which the license microchip was issued. It shall also be unlawful for any person to remove
from the neck of any dog or cat the license tag issued implanted microchip pursuant to this article,
or alter such tag microchip in any manner.

Sec. 8-172. Change of ownership.
If there is a change in ownership of a licensed microchipped dog or cat, the new owner shall have
the license transferredmicrochip registered to his name. Application for such transfer shall be
made to the licensing registration authority of the city, and be accompanied by the required fee.

Section 8-173: Lost Malfunctioning or destroyed Tags microchips.
If such tag microchip is lost malfunctioning or destroyed, the owner shall apply to either the
licensing registration authority of the county or registered veterinarian for a new tagmicrochip by
presentation of the applicable vaccination-registration certificate accompanied by the required
fee.

Secs. 8-174165—8-199.

Reserved.

ARTICLE VIII. RESTRAINT AND CONFINEMENT GENERALLY
Sec. 8-200. Restraint of animals.

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(a) It shall be unlawful for any animal to be at large. An owner of an animal found to be at large
shall be responsible for the offense and no culpable mental state is required.

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(b) It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution under subsection (a) of this section that the
animal was a feral cat participating in a trap, neuter, and return program approved by the city.
The term "feral cat" means any homeless, wild, or untamed cat.

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Sec. 8-201. Cats exempt from leash.
Although cats shall be exempt from any leash requirements, it shall be unlawful for any owner of
a cat to allow said cat to stray onto the property of anyone except the owner. Any cat found
straying onto the property of anyone except the owner shall be deemed a public nuisance and
shall be subject to impoundment.

Sec. 8-202. Tying or staking.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any animal to be tied or staked upon any open or unfenced lot or land
in a manner which allows the animal to come within ten feet of any street, park or other public
land or within ten feet of any sidewalk, public passageway or building. An animal tied or staked in
violation of this subsection shall be considered at large in violation of section 8-200.

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(b) If an animal is tied or staked, regardless of location, it shall be unlawful for the tie, or tether or
chain securing the animal to be less than ten feet in length or less than five times the length of the
animal, whichever is longer. If a chain is used, it shall be unlawful for the chain to weigh more
than one-quarter the weight of the animal. It shall be unlawful to tie, tether, chain, stake or fasten
an animal in such a manner as to cause it injury or pain or not permit it to reach shelter, food or
water. The owner of the animal or the person actually tying or staking the animal shall be
responsible for the offense.

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(c) Any collar used on a dog shall be a properly fitted collar. It shall be unlawful to use a collar
that is a pinch-type, prong-type, a choke-type collar.

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(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to use a metal chain to tie or stake an animal.

Sec. 8-203. Invisible and electronic fences.

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(a) It shall be unlawful to use an invisible or electronic fence as the sole method to restrain an
animal in accordance with this article unless the following conditions are complied with:

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(1) A sign must be posted within restraint area that indicates an animal is being
restrained by an invisible or electronic fence and the type of animal being restrained. This
sign must be clearly visible from the street or other public place outside of the restraint
area.

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(2) The invisible or electronic fence must be aligned in a manner which does not allow the
animal to come within ten feet of any street, park or other public land or within ten feet of
any sidewalk, public passageway or building.

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(b) An animal restrained in violation of this article shall be considered at large in violation of
section 8-200.

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Section 8-204: Restraint of dogs.
Any dog, while on a street, sidewalk, public way in any park, public square, or other public space
shall be restrained and secured by a leash or chain of sufficient tensile strength to restrain the
particular dog. Said leash or chain shall not be longer than 25 feet in a public park and shall not
be longer than six feet on or in any other place. An animal that is not restrained in compliance
with this section shall be considered at large in violation of section 8-200. This section shall not
apply to a dog that is within the fenced area of a designated leash-free dog park.

Sec. 8-205. Preventing an animal from becoming a public nuisance.
It shall be unlawful for any owner or custodian of any animal to fail to exercise proper care and
control of such animal to prevent the same from becoming a public nuisance.

Sec. 8-206. Restraint when animal in heat.
Every female dog or cat in heat shall be confined in a building or other enclosure in such a
manner that such female dog or cat cannot come into contact with another animal except for
planned breeding. It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the dog
or cat has been spayed.

Sec. 8-207. Quarantining of animals exposed to rabies.

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Any dog or cat that has rabies, or symptoms thereof, or that is suspected of having rabies, or that
has been exposed to rabies, shall be handled in a manner consistent with state law regarding the
disposition of animals exposed to rabies. It shall be unlawful for any owner to fail to comply with a
quarantine requirement or condition, including a home quarantine authorized by an animal control
officer. If an owner fails to comply, in addition to any criminal penalties, the animal shall be
immediately seized and impounded.

Sec. 8-208.

Dogs permitted in outdoor dining areas.

A food establishment, as defined in Chapter 18, may permit a customer to be accompanied by a
dog in an outdoor dining area if:

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(1)

The food establishment posts a sign in a conspicuous location stating that dogs are allowed
in the outdoor dining area;

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(2)

The customer and the dog access the outdoor dining area directly from the exterior of the
food establishment;

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(3)

The dog does not enter the interior of the food establishment;

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(4)

The customer keeps the dog on a leash and controls the dog;

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(5)

The customer does not allow the dog on a seat, table, countertop, or similar surface; and

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(6)

In the outdoor dining area, the food establishment does not:

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a.

Prepare food; or

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Permit open food, except for food that is being served to a customer.

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Section 8-209: Prohibiting Dogs at Sporting and Recreational Events
It shall be unlawful for an owner any of dog to allow said dog to be situated or remain within 100
feet of any playing field or area at a city-owned park or other city-owned property while an
organized sporting or recreational event is in progress on said playing field or area. Evidence that
the dog was restrained by a leash, chain, rope, voice command, cage, or any other means is no
defense to an offense under this section.

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Secs. 8-210209—8-226.

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ARTICLE IX. RESTRAINT OF GUARD DOGS

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Sec. 8-227. Confinement of guard dogs.

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Reserved.

Every owner of a guard or attack dog shall keep such dog confined in a building, compartment or
other enclosure. Any such enclosure shall be completely surrounded by a fence at least six feet in
height and shall be topped with an anti-climbing device constructed of angle metal braces with at
least three strands of equally separated barbed wire stretched between them.

Sec. 8-228. Areas of confinement.
All anti-climbing devices shall extend inward at an angle of not less than 45 degrees nor more
than 90 degrees when measured from the perpendicular. The areas of confinement shall all have
gates and entrances thereto securely closed and locked, and all fences properly maintained and
escape proof.

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Sec. 8-229. Warning sign required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to leave any guard or attack dog unattended in any place
inside any building unless a warning sign has been placed in a clearly visible location at the
premises, located so that it can be seen by any person before entering the premises, warning that
a guard or attack dog is present. It shall be unlawful for any person to leave any guard or attack
dog unattended in any place outside a building without a warning sign placed in a clearly visible
location at the premises, located so that it can be seen by any person before entering the place to
which the dog has access, warning that a guard dog or attack dog is present.

Sec. 8-230. Exemption.
The provisions of this article shall not apply to dogs owned or controlled by government law
enforcement agencies.

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ARTICLE X. DANGEROUS ANIMALS

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Sec. 8-254. Nuisance declared.

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It is hereby declared to be a public nuisance for an owner or other person to harbor, keep, or
maintain a dangerous animal in the city unless the owner complies with the requirements of this
article.

Sec. 8-255. Offense.
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, or harbor a dangerous animal within the city. For
purposes of this article, a person is the owner of a dangerous animal when the owner knows of
an unprovoked attack committed by the animal against a person or another animal, or when the
animal has been determined to be dangerous by the court under this article or any other court or
determining body.

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Sec. 8-256. Defenses.

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In response to the determination that an animal is a dangerous animal, it is aan affirmative
defense that:

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(1) The threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who at the time was
committing a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the
animal;

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(2) The person was teasing, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the animal or has in the
past been observed or reported to have teased, tormented, abused, or assaulted the
animal;

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(3) The person was committing or attempting to commit a crime;

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(4) The animal attacked or killed was at the time teasing, tormenting, abusing or attacking
the alleged dangerous animal;

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(5) The animal was protecting or defending a person within the immediate vicinity of the
animal from an unjustified attack or assault;

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(6) The animal was injured and responding to pain; or

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(7) The animal was protecting its offspring, itself, or its kennelmates.

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Sec. 8-257. Complaints.
Should any person desire to file a complaint concerning an animal which is believed to be a
dangerous animal, a sworn, written complaint must first be filed with an animal control officer
containing the following information or as much information as is known to the complainant:

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(1) Name, address, and telephone number of complainant and other witnesses;

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(2) Date, time, and location of any incident involving the animal;

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(3) Description of the animal;

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(4) Name, address, and telephone number of the animal's owner, if known;

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(5) A statement describing the facts upon which such complaint is based; and

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(6) A statement describing any incidents where the animal has exhibited dangerous
propensities in past conduct, if known.

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Sec. 8-258. Investigation.
After a sworn complaint is filed with the animal control officer, the animal control officer shall
investigate the complaint and if there be sufficient evidence to believe the animal is dangerous,
the animal control officer may file a complaint with the Municipal Court of the City of Round Rock
and request the judge of the municipal court to set a time and place for a hearing for a
determination.

Sec. 8-259. Hearing.

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(a) Jurisdiction. The jurisdiction for the determination of a dangerous animal in a proceeding
brought under this article shall be vested in the Round Rock Municipal Court.

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(b) Notice. If a complaint or application for a hearing or warrant is filed by an animal control officer
with the municipal court, the clerk of the court shall set the case for a hearing and shall give
notice of the hearing to the owner of the animal in the complaint by personal service or certified
mail, return receipt requested, a least ten days prior to the hearing date. Personal service may be
completed by the animal control officer.

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(c) Impoundment pending hearing. If the animal has not already been impounded, the animal
control officer shall seize and impound the animal upon personal service of the notice of hearing
on the owner, or three days after the notice of hearing is mailed to the owner by certified mail,
return receipt requested. It shall be unlawful for a person to possess and fail to release to an
animal control officer an animal that has been made the subject of a hearing under this article. No
person shall be allowed to reclaim the animal while a hearing under this article is pending.

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(d) Purpose of hearing. The purpose of the hearing is for the court to determine if the animal
specified in the complaint is a dangerous animal.

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(e) Result of hearing.

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(1) If the court finds that the animal is a dangerous animal:

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a. The court shall order that the animal be destroyed or permanently removed
from the city, based on the least restrictive means necessary to protect the public
health, safety, and welfare of the community according to all of the evidence
presented.

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b. If the owner is not present at the hearing, the clerk shall notify the owner of
that decision as well as the ordered disposition of the animal, by personal service
or certified mail, return receipt requested. Personal service may be completed by
the animal control officer.

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c. The court shall order that the owner of the animal pay any fees due for the
impoundment of the animal within 30 days of the orderprior to the release of the
animal.

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d. If the court orders the removal of the animal from the city, the owner shall have
five days from the date of the order to remove the animal. The owner must
provide proof of the removal to both the court and animal control within five days
after the deadline to remove. Proof of removal shall be considered adequate if
and only if it includes both the address of the animal’s new permanent location,
as well as the new owner’s information if applicable. If adequate proof is not
provided to the court within the required time, an animal control officer shall
investigate and if the animal is found within the city, the animal control officer
shall be authorized to immediately seize and impound the animal. Upon
impoundment of such animal, the animal becomes the property of the city and it
shall be humanely destroyed. If the animal has been previously removed from
the city or is not present in the city on the date of the hearing, not including the
placement of the animal in the aAnimal sShelter, the court shall order that the
animal shall be permanently banned from the city and not be allowed to return.
Failure to comply with these provisions in a timely manner will result in immediate
forfeiture of ownership of the animal and the animal becomes the property of the
aAnimal sShelter.

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e. If the court orders the destruction of the animal, the clerk or the animal control
officer shall notify the facility where the animal is kept.

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(2) If the court finds that the animal is not a dangerous animal, the animal shall be
released to the owner upon payment by the owner of any fees due.

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(f) Unlawful to disobey court order. It shall be unlawful for a person to possess and fail to release
an animal that has been ordered destroyed or removed by the court to an animal control officer. If
a removed animal is found within the city, it shall be impounded and become the property of the
aAnimal sShelter.

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Sec. 8-260. Law enforcement defense.
It is a defense to enforcement under this article that the person is an employee of the institutional
division of the state department of criminal justice or of a law enforcement agency and trains or
uses dogs for law enforcement or corrections purposes; provided, however, that for any person to
qualify for this defense, that person must be acting within the course and scope of his official
duties in regard to the dangerous animal.

Sec. 8-261. Other defenses.

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It is a defense to enforcement under this article that the person is a veterinarian, a peace officer,
a person employed by a recognized animal shelter or a person employed by the state or a
political subdivision of the state to deal with stray animals and has temporary ownership, custody
or control of the animal; provided, however, that for any person to qualify for this defense, that
person must be acting within the course and scope of his official duties in regard to the
dangerous animal.

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Secs. 8-262—8-285.

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ARTICLE XI: SALE OF ANIMALS

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Sec. 8-286. Commerce in live animals.

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Reserved.

It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, trade, barter, lease, rent, give away or display for
commercial purposes a live animal on a roadside, public right of way, sidewalk, street, parkway or
any other public property or any property dedicated to public use, a commercial parking lot, or at
an outdoor special sale, swap meet, flea market, parking lot sale or similar event. This article
does not apply to a sale held on privately owned property with the written permission of the owner
of the property or a parking lot where the seller has the parking lot owner's written permission.

Sec. 8-287. Condition of sale.

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It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, trade, barter, lease, rent, give away or display for
commercial purposes any animal that is kept in a cage or pen of any type unless the following
conditions are met:

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(1) All animals sold or transferred shall be a minimum of eight weeks of age, unless sold
with the mother.

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(2) Each animal transferred shall be born and raised until at least eight weeks of age in
Williamson county or any contiguous county at a facility operating and licensed pursuant
to all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

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(13) If the animal is kept in a cage or pen, Tthe cage or pen must be large enough for the
animal to stand on all of its legs and hold its head in a natural position and not be in a
crouched position. The cage or pen must also have enough room for the animal to turn
around or move naturally without stepping on another animal, animal feces, or food or
water provided for the animal.

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(24) The cage or pen must have water and food contained therein or have water and food
situated so that the animal has access to it through the cage or pen.

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(35) The cage or pen must be situated so that air may circulate through it, so that any
animal kept therein is not exposed to extreme heat. During cold or inclement weather,
cages or pens shall be situated so that animals contained therein shall stay warm and
dry.

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(6) The flooring of the cage or pen must be made of a solid, non-permeable material.

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Sec. 8-288. Sale of dyed animals.

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It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, raffle, offer or give as a prize, premium or
advertising device, give away or display any animal that has been dyed or otherwise artificially
colored.

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Secs. 8-289—8-309.

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ARTICLE XII. IMPOUNDMENT

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Sec. 8-310. Property owners may impound.

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Reserved.

Any person finding an animal at large upon his property may remove the same to any animal
shelter that will take possession of the animal. If no such shelter is available, the property owner
may hold the animal in his own possession and, as soon as possible, notify animal control. The
property owner shall provide a description of the animal and the name of the owner, if known.
Animal control shall dispatch an animal control officer to take possession of the animal.

Sec. 8-311. Reasons for impoundment.
In addition to any other remedies provided in this article, an animal control officer or a police
officer may seize, impound, and humanely confine to an the aAnimal sShelter or hospital any of
the following animals:

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(1) Any dog or cat without a valid, license tag microchip;

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(2) Any animal at large;

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(3) Any animal constituting a public nuisance or considered a danger to the public;

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(4) Any animal that is in violation of any quarantine or confinement order of the city's chief
health officer local rabies control authority;

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(5) Any unattended animal that is ill, injured, or otherwise in need of care;

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(6) Any animal that is reasonably believed to have been abused or neglected;

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(7) Any animal that is reasonably suspected of having rabies;

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(8) Any animal that is charged with being potentially dangerous, or dangerous where an
animal control officer determines that there is a threat to public health and safety;

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(9) Any animal that a court of competent jurisdiction has ordered impounded or
destroyed;

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(10) Any animal that is considered unattended or abandoned, as in situations where the
owner is deceased, has been arrested or evicted from his regular place of residence;

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(11) Any exotic or wild animal that is kept illegally;

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(12) Any animal that is in violation of this article or whose owner is in violation of this
article.

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Sec. 8-312. Issuance of notice or citation.
In addition to, or in lieu of, impounding an animal found at large, an animal control officer or a
police officer may issue to the known owner of such animal a citation for a violation of this article.

Sec. 8-313. Length of impoundmentWilliamson County Regional Animal Shelter
The Animal Shelter board of directors shall have the authority to adopt reasonable rules and
regulations regarding the operation of the shelter, including but not limited to the following:
(1) the length of impoundment of animals
(2) when impounded animals become the property of the Animal Shelter,
(3) dealing with sick or injured animals,
(4) procedures for reclaiming impounded animals,
(5) impoundment fees
(6) voluntary release by owner to the Animal Shelter, and
(7) release in lieu of impoundment.
Except as provided in articles IV and X of this chapter, the cityanimal shelter shall keep licensed
microchipped dogs and cats impounded for not fewer than seven five business days and
unlicensed non-microchipped impounded animals for a minimum of 72 hours, before disposing of
said dog or cat without the consent of the owner.

Sec. 8-314. Impounded animal becomes property of CityAnimal Shelter.
Any animal impounded in the animal shelter for a period exceeding the times laid out in this
chapter shall become property of the city animal shelter and shall be placed for adoption or
humanely euthanized. The adoption fee for all animals is as currently established or as hereafter
adopted by resolution of the city council animal shelter from time to time. Any livestock kept over
72 hours may be sold or auctioned to cover the costs of impoundment and boarding.

Sec. 8-315. Sick or injured animals.
When an animal is not wearing a tag of any kind so that the rightful owner cannot be notified of
their animal's injuries,Any obviously sick or injured animals may be humanely euthanized
provided a reasonable attempt to contact the owner of the animal has been made.alife
threatening

Sec. 8-316. Reclaiming animals and impoundment fees.
An owner reclaiming an impounded animal shall pay all impounding fees, vaccination fees, and
boarding fees for animals before they shall be returned to the owner. The fee schedule applies
per animal impounded, as currently established or as hereafter adopted by resolution of the city
councilanimal shelter from time to time.

Sec. 8-317. Authority to request and issue warrants.
An animal control officer or peace officer may apply for and obtain a warrant or other legal writ
from the municipal judge or justice court to seize any animal alleged to be in violation of this
chapter. The municipal judge or justice of the peace shall have the authority to issue such
warrant.

Sec. 8-318. Voluntary release.
(a) Animal controlThe animal shelter is authorized to take possession of any animal released by its owner
upon proof that the owner resides within the city, completion of an owner release form and payment of the
owner release fee. Regardless of the foregoing, animal controlthe animal shelter is not required to accept
an owner released animal if suitable shelter is not available based on:
(1) Current occupancy;

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(2) The type of animal; or
(3) The condition of the animal, or a reasonable determination being made by the animal control shelter
supervisor that accepting the animal is not in the best interest of the city shelter.
(b) Upon acceptance of an animal under this section, the animal immediately becomes the property of the
cityanimal shelter. If an owner desires to reclaim a previously released animal and the animal is still in the
possession of animal control the shelter and is not in the process of being adopted, the animal control
shelter supervisor shall return the animal to the owner unless the animal control shelter supervisor
determines that the return of the animal would pose a danger to the health of the animal or to public
safety. The impoundment fees, boarding fees and medical costs incurred as provided by section 8-316
must be paid prior to the return of the animal. The owner release fee shall be as currently established or
as hereafter adopted by resolution of the city councilanimal shelter from time to time.

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Sec. 8-319. Release in lieu of impoundment.

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In lieu of impounding an animal for any reason authorized by this article or other law, animal control the
Animal shelter is authorized to take possession of any animal released by its owner upon completion of
an owner release form and payment of the owner release fee. Upon acceptance of an animal under this
section, the animal immediately becomes the property of the city animal shelter. No animal released
under this section will be returned to the owner or a member of the owner's family or household. No
animal released under this section may be given to any person if the animal control shelter supervisor
determines that such release would pose a danger to the health of the animal or to public safety. The
owner release fee shall be as currently established or as hereafter adopted by resolution of the city
council animal shelter from time to time.

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Secs. 8-320313—8-341.

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ARTICLE XIII. ENFORCEMENT

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Sec. 8-342. Establishment.

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Reserved.

The chief of police shall appoint an animal control officer and such assistants as may be required
to enforce this chapter.

Sec. 8-343: Supervisor.
The supervisor of animal control is hereby designated as the local health authority for the
purposes of V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code ch. 826 (Rabies Control Act of 1981) and shall be
responsible for performing duties and responsibilities provided herein.

Sec. 8-344. Enforcement duties.
(a)
Animal control officers or other designees of the chief of police shall be the enforcement
officials for this chapter as well as all other applicable animal related ordinances contained within
the city code and state laws. These officials, along with police officers, shall have the authority to
act on behalf of the city and animal control in investigating complaints, impounding and destroying
animals, issuing citations, and taking other lawful actions as required to enforce the provisions of
this chapter and other animal related ordinances within the city code including the rules
established in section 26-26.
(b)
An animal control officer or peace officer may apply for and obtain a warrant or other
legal writ from the municipal judge or justice court to seize any animal alleged to be in violation of
this chapter. The municipal judge or justice of the peace shall have the authority to issue such
warrant.

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Sec. 8-345. Interference with animal control officer.
It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with any animal control officer or other enforcement
official in the performance of his duties.

Sec. 8-346. Self defense.
Upon attack by an animal, an animal control officer can defend himself or a complainant, at his
discretion, taking such means as he deems necessary in that situation.

Sec. 8-347. Private property.
For purposes of discharging the duties imposed by this chapter, and to enforce the same, an
animal control officer or other authorized representative may enter upon private property to the
full extent permitted by law, which shall include but not be limited to entry upon private property
when in pursuit of any animal which he or she has reason to believe is subject to impoundment
pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or other applicable laws. An animal control officer shall
have the right to pursue and apprehend an animal which is at large or a free roaming cat onto
private property without first requesting permission from the owner of the property before entering
the property or without obtaining a search warrant.

Sec. 8-348. Entry and inspection.

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(a) Whenever it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of or to
perform any duty imposed by this chapter or other applicable law regarding animals, or whenever
an animal control officer has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building,
structure or upon any premises any violations of this chapter or other applicable law, the officer is
hereby authorized to enter such property at any reasonable time and to inspect the same and to
perform any duty imposed upon the officer by this chapter or other applicable law, provided that if
such property is occupied, the officer shall first present proper credentials to the occupant and
request to enter, explaining the reason therefor and obtaining permission from said occupant.

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(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the officer has reasonable cause to believe that the keeping
or the maintaining of any animal is so hazardous, unsafe or dangerous as to require immediate
inspection to safeguard the animal or the public health or safety, the officer shall have the right to
immediately enter and make such inspection, whether or not permission to inspect has been
obtained. If the property is occupied, the officer shall first present proper credentials to the
occupant and demand entry, explaining the reasons therefor and the purpose of inspection.

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(c) Whenever an animal control officer is denied admission to inspect any premises under this
chapter and the officer cannot determine whether violations exist on the premises, the animal
control officer is authorized to request a warrant for the inspection of the premises from the
municipal judge, a magistrate, or justice court to enter and inspect the premises.

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Sec. 8-349. Violations.
It shall be a violation of the chapter to:

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(1) Fail to comply with any provision of this chapter;

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(2) Fail to comply with any lawful order of animal control, an animal control officer, or
police officer unless such order is lawfully stayed or reversed.

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ARTICLE XIV. BEEKEEPING

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Sec. 8-351. Apiary maintenance.
(a) A person shall keep a bee colony in a Langstroth-type hive with removable frames that is
maintained in sound and usable condition.
(b) A person shall provide a source of water to a bee colony to prevent the bees from
congregating at a water source used by a human, bird, or domestic pet.
(c) A person shall store or dispose of bee comb or other material removed from a hive in a sealed
container, building, or other bee-proof enclosure.

Sec. 8-352. Hive location.
(a) A person may not locate a hive within 10 feet of the property line of a tract, as measured from
the nearest point of the hive to the property line.
(b) A person who keeps a bee colony within 25 feet of the property line of a tract, as measured
from the nearest point of a hive to the property line, shall establish and maintain a flyway barrier
parallel to the property line.

Sec. 8-353. Control of aggressive bee colony.
(a) A person shall immediately replace the queen in a bee colony that exhibits aggressive
characteristics, including stinging or attempting to sting without provocation, or a disposition
towards swarming. A person required to replace a queen under this subsection shall select the
replacement from bee stock bred for gentleness and non-swarming characteristics.
(b) As required for swarm management, a person may maintain a nucleus bee colony for each
two bee colonies allowed under this chapter. A person may house a nucleus bee colony in a
structure not exceeding a standard 9 5/8 -inch depth ten-frame hive body with no supers
attached. A person shall dispose of or combine a nucleus bee colony with an authorized bee
colony not later than the 30th day after the date the nucleus bee colony is acquired.

Sec. 8-354: Bee colony density.
A person may not keep more than:
(1) Two bee colonies on a tract one-quarter acre or smaller;
(2) Four bee colonies on a tract larger than one-quarter acre but smaller than one-half
acre;
(3) Six bee colonies on a tract one-half acre or more but smaller than one acre;
(4) Eight bee colonies on a tract one acre or more.
(5) A person may keep an unlimited number of bee colonies on a tract in which all hives
are located at least 200 feet from each property line of the tract; or adjacent to
undeveloped vacant property for at least 200 feet from any hive. Vacant property means
property that is not improved for human use or occupancy, including property used as a
street or highway.

Sec. 8-355. Hive identification.
(a) Except as provided in Subsection (b), a person shall post a conspicuous sign displaying the
apiary owner's name and telephone number at the entrance to the apiary tract.

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(b) A person is not required to place owner identification on or near a bee colony located on a
tract on which the owner resides.

Sec. 8-356: Enforcement.
An owner found to be in violation of any provision contained herein Article XIV shall have their
bees declared a public nuisance and will be subject to all penalties under Section 8-3.

ARTICLE XV. FERAL CATS
Sec. 8-361. Establishment of a feral cat colony.
(a) A feral cat colony may be established within the city limits of Round Rock provided that the
citizen wishing to establish the feral cat colony agrees to become the feral cat colony caretaker
and obtains written permission from the animal control supervisor to be renewed on a yearly
basis.
(b) Feral cat colonies within the city limits of Round Rock must meet the following requirements:
(1) No feral cat colony shall be established on public or private property without first
obtaining written permission from the property owner; and
(2) No feral cats shall be brought into a feral cat colony from outside the city limits of
Round Rock.

Sec. 8-362. Requirements for feral cats.
The feral cat colony caretaker shall be responsible to ensure that every cat within the feral cat
colony has met each of the following requirements:
(1) Sterilization by a licensed veterinarian resulting in a tipped ear for recognition
purposes; and
(2) Vaccination against communicable diseases, particularly rabies, in accordance with
best practices for feral cats by a licensed veterinarian.

Sec. 8-363. Record keeping.
(a) The feral cat colony caretaker must maintain accurate records of the feral cat colonies in their
trap, neuter, and return program. The records must include:
(1) The location and size of each feral cat colony; and
(2) The date and veterinary clinic location for each feral cat’s spay/neuter; and
(3) The date of vaccination against the rabies virus in accordance with Section 8-164.
(b) The animal control unit may request copies of these records at any time. Failure to provide
such records may result in the revocation of the permit to operate a feral cat colony by the animal
control supervisor under Section 8-361.

Sec. 8-364. Enforcement.
(a) Any feral cat impounded by animal control shall be identified by its left ear tip and immediately
released to the appropriate feral cat colony unless one of the following exceptions is made:

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 (1) A feral cat has been impounded multiple times on the same property, and the property
owner wishes to have the feral cat declared a public nuisance under Section 8-3. If a feral
cat is declared a public nuisance, the feral cat colony caretaker shall be given seven (7)
days to relocate the cat outside of the city limits of Round Rock.

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(2) A feral cat that has been determined by an animal control to require immediate
veterinary care shall be impounded and taken to the Williamson County Regional Animal
Shelter or a licensed veterinarian for any necessary treatment. If the feral cat is to be
reclaimed, the feral cat colony caretaker shall be responsible for paying all accrued
medical expenses prior to the release of the cat back into their custody.
(3) A feral cat has bitten any human that requires the animal to be immediately
quarantined for rabies observation in accordance with Chapter 826, Subchapter E of the
Texas Health & Safety Code. If the feral cat is to be reclaimed, the feral cat colony
caretaker shall be responsible for paying all accrued quarantine expenses prior to the
release of the cat back into their custody.
(b) Any feral cat impounded at the animal shelter under Article XV may be immediately returned
by any citizen to the location where it was initially trapped provided:
(1) The feral cat has met all requirements outlined by Section 8-362; and
(2) The feral cat has not been declared a public nuisance under Section 8-3.
(c) The city reserves the right to immediately seize and remove any and all feral cats from a feral
cat colony if:
(1) A feral cat colony violates any section contained herein Article XV; or
(2) The feral cat colony poses a risk to public health or safety due to a suspected
exposure to the rabies virus or any other zoonotic or epizootic diseases; or
(3) Any feral cat is declared a public nuisance under Section 8-3, and the colony
caretaker fails to remove the feral cat from the city limits of Round Rock within the seven
(7) day enforcement period; or
(4) Any other reason not listed in Section 8-364 if the animal control supervisor
determines continuation of the feral cat’s residency is not in the best interest of the city.

III.
That Appendix A – Fees, Rates, and Charges, Chapter 8, Code of Ordinances
(2018 Edition), City of Round Rock, Texas, is hereby amended to read as follows:

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APPENDIX A – FEES, RATES, AND CHARGES
CHAPTER 8 – ANIMALS
ARTICLE IV - CARING FOR ANIMALS

8-166

License Microchip fee

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$5.00 per sterilized animal
$10.00 per non-sterilized
animal

 8-173

Re-issuance license microchip fee for lostmalfunctioning/destroyed
tags microchips

$5.00 per sterilized animal
$10.00 per non-sterilized
animal

8-314

Adoption fee for impounded animals

$75.00 per animal

8-316

Reclaiming and impoundment fees:
Impoundment fee - first offense

$20.00

Impoundment fee - second and subsequent offenses

$25.00

Boarding fee, per each 24-hour period or portion thereof

$10.00

Rabies quarantine boarding fee, per each 24-hour period or
portion thereof

$15.00

Medical costs

Actual costs incurred

Owner voluntary release fee

$50.00 per unweaned
litter
$30.00 per weaned
animal

Owner release in lieu of impoundment fee

$50.00 per unweaned
litter
$30.00 per weaned
animal

8318(b)

8-319
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II.
A.

All ordinances, parts of ordinances, or resolutions in conflict herewith are

expressly repealed.
B.

The invalidity of any section or provision of this ordinance shall not

invalidate other sections or provisions thereof.
C.

The City Council hereby finds and declares that written notice of the date,

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hour, place and subject of the meeting at which this Ordinance was adopted was posted

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and that such meeting was open to the public as required by law at all times during

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which this Ordinance and the subject matter hereof were discussed, considered and

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formally acted upon, all as required by the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas

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Government Code, as amended.

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READ

and

APPROVED

on

first

___________________, 2018.
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reading

this

the

_____

day

of

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READ, APPROVED and ADOPTED on second reading this the _____ day of
____________________, 2018.

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__________________________________
CRAIG MORGAN, Mayor
City of Round Rock, Texas
ATTEST:

SARA L. WHITE, City Clerk

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