Dangerous Dogs
This information is taken from Ordinance Section 14.84. To obtain further information not listed here, please contact the Highland Village Animal Control Officers.
A definition of Dangerous Dog means a dog that
- Makes an unprovoked attach on a person that causes bodily injury, which would cause a reasonable person to seek medical treatment.
- Commits unprovoked acts in a place other than a secure enclosure in which the dog was being kept.
- Is accustomed to run, worry or kill goats, sheep or waterfowl or other animals considered to be property.
- Makes an unprovoked attack on another dog causing injury, which would cause a reasonable person to seek veterinary care - whether or not that care was actually sought.
Procedures
Animal Control Officers shall investigate all reports of a possibly dangerous dog and/or any incident involving:
- Any unprovoked attack on a human or domestic animal
- Any extremely aggressive behavior exhibited by an animal at large and witnessed by an animal control officer.
- Two or more written, sworn and notarized complaints filed by any citizens against any dog believed by them to be dangerous.
Investigations
Investigations shall be done using standardized forms for such incidents in order to prevent errors and omissions of pertinent facts. Such forms shall contain the following information:
- Identification of the owner of the accused animal.
- An inspection of the animal so accused.
- A detailed narrative of incidents relative to the events
- Photographs of the animal, if possible.
- Any statements from victims and/or witnesses to the incident.
- Documentation of the animal's history.
DANGEROUS DOG ADVISORY BOARD
Objective
- An Animal Control Officer, in an attempt to provide fair and equal opportunities to all owners of dogs that have been accused of being Dangerous Dogs, may request a hearing before the Highland Village Dangerous Dog Advisory Board (DDAB).
- The City of Highland Village shall hold this hearing only at the request of a full time Animal Control Officer employed.
Purpose
- The purpose of such hearing shall be to assist the Animal Control Officer in determining the facts of the case and whether further action to protect the public health, safety and welfare is warranted and/or recommended.
- The Animal Control Officer shall have the sole decision making authority as to a finding that the dog is to be declared as dangerous.
- An Animal Control Officer requesting a hearing before the Dangerous Dog Advisory Board shall have the responsibility for notifying all parties of the date, time and location of the hearing. Such notifications shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.
- Persons to receive such notification shall include, but not be limited to, all interested parties and witnesses.
Advisory Board Panel
- A hearing by the Dangerous Dog Advisory Board shall be presided over by the Director of Public Works, or his designee.
- Members of the Advisory Board shall include: the Public Works Director or designee, a representative chosen by the City Council, a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Texas, a member of a local humane organization, and a Highland Village Police Officer.
- The City attorney may be asked to participate at the request of the DDAB.
- Board members shall be chosen on an as-needed and willing to serve basis.
- Board members shall be obligated to serve for one hearing only, although they may be requested to serve again in the future.