Author: Admin

Posted on

Public Notice 12/30/2025

We have been informed, as the systems operator (Erik) and City Clerk (Nikki), that numerous dogs are being permitted to roam unsupervised throughout the town.

We wanted to reiterate the Town of Hardesty’s Animal Regulations Ordinances.

 § 4-101 DEFINITIONS

 The following words, terms, and phrases have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning. All other words or phrases used herein shall be defined and interpreted according to their common usage.

ANIMAL- Any mammal, bird, fish, reptile or invertebrate, including wild and domesticated species, other than a human being.

AT LARGE- Not securely confined by a fence or other means on premises under the control of, or occupied by, the owner; or not under the control of the owner, a member of their immediate family, or an agent of the owner, by leash not more than six feet in length if off the premises of the owner.

OWNER or KEEPER, Any person, group of persons, or corporation owning, keeping, maintaining, or harboring, or having care or custody of, an animal or animals.

VICIOUS ANIMAL- Any animal that is the cause of unprovoked bites or attacks at humans or other animals, or without provocation approaches in a manner of attack. Provided that an animal shall not be deemed a VICIOUS ANIMAL by reason of having bitten or attacked the following:

 § 4-102 RUNNING AT LARGE, OWNERS CITED, ENCLOSURES,

  1. No owner shall permit any animal owned, harbored, or kept by them, to be at large within the town. It is unlawful for any animal to be at large within the town.
  2. Any animal running at large in the town may be taken up and impounded at an animal shelter. The animal control or code enforcement officer may, at their discretion, issue a ticket or cite the owner of such animal to appear in municipal court to answer charges or violation of this chapter.

 § 4-103 CONTROL OF ANIMALS REQUIRED, REGULATIONS,

      It is unlawful for any owner or person to:

  1. Fail to prevent any animal from running at large within the town:
  2. Perform, do, carry out, or cause any inhumane treatment against any animal;
  3. Keep, possess, control, maintain, use of otherwise exercise dominion over any animal or animals which by reason of noise, odor, or sanitary conditions become offensive to a reasonable and prudent person of ordinary tastes and sensibilities, or which constitute or become a health hazard as determined by the health, animal control, or code enforcement officer; or
  4. Turn any animal at large or release an animal which is restrained or confined in an enclosure as required by this chapter.

 § 4-105 NOISY ANIMALS, NUISANCE, VICIOUS ANIMALS,

  1. No person shall keep any animal which causes frequent or long-continued noise or otherwise so as to disturb the comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity. Any violation of this section is declared to be a nuisance and as such may be abated.
  2. No person shall keep any animal which is a nuisance or is vicious as defined in this code.

For assistance, please contact Texas County Sheriff’s Department 580-338-4000