Texas Health & Safety Code § 822.043 – Registration and Control of Dangerous Dogs
Table of Contents
Statutory Text:
(a) The owner of a dangerous dog shall:
(1) register the dog with the animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept;
(2) restrain the dangerous dog at all times on a leash in the immediate control of a person or in a secure enclosure; and
(3) obtain liability insurance coverage or show financial responsibility in an amount of at least $100,000 to cover damages resulting from an attack by the dangerous dog causing bodily injury to a person.(b) The animal control authority shall provide to the owner a registration tag. The owner must place the tag on the dog’s collar.
(c) If a person reports an incident described by Section 822.041(2), the animal control authority may investigate the incident. If, after receiving the sworn statements of any witnesses, the authority determines the dog is dangerous, it shall notify the owner in writing of that fact.
(d) Not later than the 15th day after the date the owner receives the notice, the owner may appeal the determination to a justice, county, or municipal court of competent jurisdiction.
(e) A court hearing under this section must be held as soon as practicable and is a civil hearing for the purpose of affirming or reversing the determination.
What Does This Law Require?
This law outlines three core obligations for owners of a legally declared dangerous dog:
Register the dog with local animal control
Restrict the dog’s movement using a secure enclosure or leash under control
Maintain liability insurance of at least $100,000
The statute also gives animal control the power to issue determinations and conduct hearings if the owner disagrees.
Example Scenario
A woman’s dog escapes her yard and lunges at a jogger without provocation. The jogger is unharmed but files a report. Animal control investigates and determines the dog is dangerous under § 822.041. The woman receives written notice. She must immediately begin complying with § 822.043 requirements. If she disagrees, she has 15 days to file an appeal with a municipal court.
When This Law Applies
This statute is triggered once:
A dog is determined to be dangerous by an animal control authority, OR
Someone reports an attack or threatening behavior and animal control investigates
Once the determination is made, the owner has 15 days to appeal it in court. During this period, the owner must still comply with restraint and registration requirements.
Related Statutes
§ 822.041 – Definitions (Dangerous Dog)
§ 822.042 – Requirements for Owners of Dangerous Dogs
§ 822.044 – Seizure and Disposition of Dangerous Dog
§ 822.045 – Defenses in Dangerous Dog Claims
Texas Local Government Code Ch. 826 – Animal Control Authority Guidelines
Texas Case Law Interpreting § 822.043
Court affirmed that written notice from animal control triggered legal duties under § 822.043.
Reiterated that compliance is mandatory, regardless of whether the dog caused actual injury.
Emphasized municipal authority to enforce leash and registration rules for public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About § 822.043
Houston Personal Injury Lawyer - Joel A. Gordon
Yes. Registration with animal control is required, along with proper restraint and insurance coverage.
You must file an appeal in court within 15 days after receiving written notice of the determination.
No. You must comply with all restraint and registration rules immediately, even if you plan to appeal.
Animal control may seek to seize the dog and request that the court order it destroyed for noncompliance.