B'boro amends animal at large ordinance

In response to the numerous complaints on dogs running loose in the city of Brownsboro, the city council approved to amend the city's Animal at-large ordinance during their regularly scheduled meeting Thursday, April 12.

"We have three to five complaints a week on dogs running loose," said Brownsboro Police Chief Ron Shields. "They're strewing trash up and down the streets."

His office also receives complaints from citizens who say they can't take walks in the evenings because of loose dogs.

"The main reason for the change is if we had a dog running loose all we could do is give the owner a citation," Shields said.

The amendment authorizes the city's police department or animal control officer to impound any dogs, livestock, fowl or dangerous animal running astray within the city limits of Brownsboro, to be transported and held at the Henderson County Animal Shelter, in Athens, at a cost to the city of $20 per dog.

Once the animal arrives at the shelter, the owner has 73 hours to pick it up, said Henderson Co. Animal Shelter Director Amy Gage.

"State law requires the owner must show proof of a rabies vaccination before we can release the dog or they must get one within 24 hours," Gage said.

Citizens who call the shelter looking for their animals are asked to leave a message if there is no answer, and their call will be returned in a timely manner, Gage said.

The amended ordinance regulating animals running at large reads as follows:

Whereas, the City of Brownsboro, Texas finds that the public health, safety and welfare requires provision for animals at large. The City of Brownsboro deems it necessary for rules and regulations, and the following be, and the same hereby ordained:

1. All dogs, livestock, fowl, or dangerous animals running astray within the City limits of the City of Brownsboro or within five thousand feet hereof are declared a public nuisance.

2. It is unlawful for any person without regard to mental state, to suffer or permit any animal to run astray within the city limits or within five thousand feet thereof.

3. If any dog attacks or attempts to attack any other dog or other animal while such dog is at large, or chases or otherwise attempts to catch a person, then such dog shall be conclusively presumed to be a vicious dog and to have vicious propensities and tendencies.

4. The police department of Brownsboro or animal control officer is authorized to impound any dogs, livestock, fowl or dangerous animals running astray within the City limits of Brownsboro or within five thousand feet thereof. Such animal will be transported and held at an animal shelter. Fees due to the animal shelter shall be paid by owner of such animal. The officer is also authorized to issue a written warning to said owner of at large animal. On second offense, the owner may be assessed a fine of not less than $50 or more than $500 depending on the number and severity of the violation(s).

5. In addition, if a dog or animal is judged to be a vicious animal or have vicious propensities and tendencies, or the owner, after monetary fines have been imposed, said animal(s) may be impounded at owner's expense. Impoundment may not exceed more than five calendar days before being returned to owner or being disposed of.

6. State law reference - Restraint of dogs, V.T.C.A. - Health and Safety code.

The amendment went into effect immediately upon the city council's approval.

In other business, the city council approved the cancellation of the May 12 election as all three incumbents, Mayor Ronny Harris, and City Councilmen Randall Clayton and Len Vest are unopposed.

The council also approved hiring building inspector David Smith, of L.T. Instruction, in Chandler. In the three-part motion the city council approved:

1.The contract for new and commercial dwellings and remodeling;

2. Amend the current building inspection fees for yard sprinklers and swimming pools from $25 to $75;

3.The fee schedule for inspections as presented. Such fee schedule can be viewed at Brownsboro City Hall.

Also, Chief Shields was given the city council's approval to proceed with amending the City's Solicitation Ordinance for possible consideration at the May meeting.

The Brownsboro City Council meets in regular session the second Thursday of the month at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall.