Hurst Pet Codes
These listings are summaries only of some of the basic animal ordinances.
Chapter 4 of the
Hurst Municipal Code, relating to animals, may be viewed in
its entirety, or copies obtained, at the Hurst Library or the City
Secretary’s Office.
Ord. 2026 (pdf - 8/14/2007)
Sec. 4-20. Rabies Vaccinations
All dogs and cats four (4) months of age or over within the City
shall be immunized against rabies annually by a licensed veterinarian.
Sec. 4-25. Animal bite reports; submission to quarantine
Any person who is bitten or scratched by an animal or anyone
who knows of someone who is bitten or scratched shall report that
fact to the Animal Control within twenty-four (24) hours.
The animal committing the act shall be submitted to the Animal
Control for quarantine. This duty to submit the animal to quarantine
shall apply to any person who owns, keeps, harbors, has possession
of or allows an animal to remain on the premises under his control.
Sec. 4-40. Running at large (leash law)
It shall be unlawful for any person who owns, keeps, harbors
or other wise has control over any animal, livestock, fowl, reptiles
or wildlife within the city to allow or permit such animal to
run or be at large within the city.
The prohibition against an animal running at large does not apply
to cats.
"At large" means unconfined inside the owner’s
house or to the premises of the owner by a suitable and substantial
fence of sufficient strength and height to prevent escape therefrom
or secured on such premises by a leash of sufficient strength
to prevent escape from the premises and so arranged that the animal
will remain upon the premises when the leash is stretched to full
length in any direction.
Sec. 4-44. Nuisance animals
A nuisance animal shall be defined as any animal which commits
any of the acts listed herein:
- Harasses or chases pedestrians, passersby or passing vehicles,
including bicycles; or
- Makes unprovoked attacks on other animals of any kind; or
- Is repeatedly at large, specifically three (3) or more times
per twelve- month period; or
- Damages private or public property; or
- Defecates on property not belonging to or under the control
of its owner; or
- Barks, whines, howls, crows, cackles or makes any noise excessively
and continuously, and such noise disturbs a person of ordinary
sensibilities; or
- Is unconfined when in heat.
Sec. 4-55 Animals in Motor Vehicles
No person shall leave any animal in any standing or parked vehicle in such a way to endanger the
animal's health, safety or welfare. An animal control officer or police officer is authorized to use
reasonable force to remove the animal from the vehicle whenever it appears that the animal's
health, safety or welfare is or will be endangered if the owner of the vehicle cannot be located
after reasonable attempts. The animal shall be taken to the shelter or to a veterinarian if the
animal is in distress. A written notice bearing the name of the officer removing the animal, a
telephone number where he can be contacted and the location where the animal may be claimed
by the owner shall be attached to the vehicle. Any person violating this section shall bear the full
cost and expense incurred by the city in the care, medical treatment, impoundment cost and
disposal of said animal, including removal from and damage done to the vehicle.
Sec. 4-57 Tethered Animals
It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, chain or fasten any animal in such a manner so that
they are accessible to the general public. All unattended tethered animals must be inside a fenced
enclosure. It shall be unlawful to tether, chain or fasten an animal in such a manner as to cause it
injury or pain or not permit it to reach shelter, food and water. Additionally, all animals riding in
the back of pick-ups must be secured in pet carriers.
Sec. 4-60 Negligent Care
It is unlawful for any person or persons to fail, refuse or neglect to provide any animal in his
or her charge or custody, as owner or otherwise, with proper food, drink, shade, shelter, upkeep or
veterinary care as may be necessary for diseased or injured animals. Any animal habitually kept
outside shall be provided with a structurally sound, moisture-proof and windproof shelter large
enough to accommodate the animal and to which the animal may seek refuge from moisture and
wind. Additionally, any animal left in a residence whether considered a rental property or animal
shelter, without notifying the proper authorities and without being claimed will be considered
abandonment.
1. Shade and shelter. The owner shall provide a structure, to which the animal has
constant and continual access, which is adequate to protect the animal from hazardous
exposure to the elements.
2. Veterinary care. The owner shall provide all necessary medical care for the animal.
3. Animal Coat. The owner shall assist in upkeep of the animals’ coat in order to
prevent a health or hygiene issue from occurring.
Sec. 4-70. Dangerous Animals
The term dangerous animal may include but is not limited to the
following:
- Any animal which has inflicted severe injury or death on a
human being without provocation on public or private property;
or
- Any animal which has killed or severely injured a domestic
animal without provocation while off the owner’s property;
or
- Has a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack
unprovoked, to cause injury or to otherwise threaten the safety
of human beings or domestic animals.
If an animal acts as stated above, the animal may be impounded
by the Animal Control and remedial requirements may be placed
on the owner, such as a securely enclosed locked pen be erected
to house the animal. Or, the owner may be enjoined in municipal
court where the court may order removal of the animal from the
City or destruction of the animal.
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