Texas Health and Safety Code 823.003 – Standards for Animal Shelters; Criminal Penalty
Current as of: 2024 | Check for updates
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(a) Each animal shelter operated in this state shall comply with the standards for:
(1) housing and sanitation as provided in Chapter 826 for quarantine and impoundment facilities; and
(2) animal control officer training adopted under Chapter 829.
(b) An animal shelter shall separate animals in its custody at all times by species, by sex (if known), and if the animals are not related to one another, by size.
Attorney's Note
Under the Texas Codes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class C misdemeanor | up to $500 |
Terms Used In Texas Health and Safety Code 823.003
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Year: means 12 consecutive months. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) An animal shelter may not confine healthy animals with sick, injured, or diseased animals.
(d) Each person who operates an animal shelter shall employ a veterinarian at least once a year to inspect the shelter to determine whether it complies with the requirements of this chapter and Chapter 829. The veterinarian shall file copies of the veterinarian’s report with the person operating the shelter and with the department on forms prescribed by the department.
(e) The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission may require each person operating an animal shelter to keep records of the date and disposition of animals in its custody, to maintain the records on the business premises of the animal shelter, and to make the records available for inspection at reasonable times.
(f) A person commits an offense if the person substantially violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.