Corsicana, Texas

ARTICLE 2.1900 – RESTRAINT AND CONFINEMENT

A. Tying, staking or tethering animal. Animals may not be tethered to a stationary object as a means of confinement.

(1) Any animal permitted to be kept within the City of Corsicana shall not be chained, tied, fastened, or otherwise tethered to any stationary or inanimate object as a means of confinement and restraint to property. First-time violators of this provision may be given up to a three (3) day grace period without penalty to correct a violation of this provision, should such grace period be deemed appropriate by the officer. Violators holding a valid fence permit shall be given up to thirty (30) days to complete construction of a fence. Exception from penalty shall not be given in any case where the violation of the provision causes or contributes to the bodily injury of a person or animal. An animal tethered, not having food, not having water, or not having shelter shall be considered separate offenses under this provision and each violation shall carry a separate penalty.

Any exceptions due to emergency acts of God must be approved in writing by the Animal Control Officer.

(2) A person commits an offense if he uses a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device to attach an animal to a stationary object or trolley system. This section does not prohibit a person from walking an animal on a handheld leash.

(3) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:

(a) The animal is being tethered during a lawful animal event, veterinary treatment, grooming, training, or law enforcement activity; or

(b) The animal tethering is required to protect the safety or welfare of a person or the animal and the animal’s owner maintains direct supervision of the animal.

B. Confinement during Estrus. Any unspayed female dog or cat in the state of estrus (heat) shall be humanely confined during such period of time in a house, building, or secure enclosure to ensure that an unwanted pregnancy will not occur. Owners who do not comply shall be ordered to remove the animal in heat to a veterinary hospital or boarding facility. All expenses incurred as a result of this confinement shall be paid by the owner.

C. Penalty. The penalty for violation of this section shall be under Section 1.106(a)(l) of the City Code of Ordinances of the City of Corsicana, Texas, and shall be a maximum fine of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) for each offense, for each violation, for each separate day, and for each animal.