Thursday, April 25, 2024
KELLY MCNAB
Saturday, February 27, 2021
0ne misconception we hear at Animal Control in regard to allowing pets to be unrestrained and running loose is, “My dog doesn’t have to be restrained because I live in the country.”
People also say things like, “I only let them out to go potty,” and “He knows not to leave the property.”
There is, however, a Hood County order and Texas state law regarding keeping your animal restrained at all times. It doesn’t matter if you live in the city or county, you must always keep your dog under restraint (by fence or lead) unless you are legally hunting with your dog or actively working livestock with your dog.
If it is reported that your dog is unrestrained and running loose, you risk receiving a citation, which is a Class C misdemeanor.
There are multiple reasons why you would not want your dog to be unrestrained and running loose: You take the chance of them getting hit by a vehicle, biting people, fighting with other animals, getting shot, getting lost, getting picked up by dog fighters/dog flippers, tearing up your neighbor’s trash, getting sick, and because it is against the law. The list goes on and on.
Last year (2020) Hood County Animal Control received more than 1,200 reports of “stray” dogs running loose.
As a responsible pet owner, we know you want to keep your dog safe. One of the ways to keep them safe is keeping them at home, properly restrained by fence or lead.
HOW TO CONTACT US
For after-hour animal emergencies, contact the Hood County Sheriff’s Dispatch by calling 817-579-3307.
Stop by Hood County Animal Control to meet your new FOREVER best friend! Or visit our Facebook page at Hood County Animal Control, Tx. You can also contact us by email at hcac@ co.hood.tx.us or by phone at 817-573-4277.
Reminder: Our facility is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for adoptions, owner surrenders, donation drop-offs, etc. The first Saturday of every month, 9 a.m. to noon, is scheduled for adoptions.
hcac@co.hood.tx.us | 81 7-573-42 77
