Animal Control
The City of Sweeny Animal Control Services are provided through the Public
Works Department and through the Police Department. City Ordinance No. 103-87, passed in 1987,
established
the rules and regulations concerning the keeping of animals within the City of
Sweeny. The ordinance also provides for the following:
- Definition of Animals and Other Terms
- Provides for Impoundment
- Provides for Fees and Charges
- Prohibits Nuisances
- Prohibits the Keeping of Certain Animals within the City
- Regulates the Keeping of Livestock, Fowl, and Rabbits
- Requires Sanitary Condition to be Maintained
- Provides for the Disposition of Impounded Animals
- Provides for the Quarantine of Animals
- Provides a Penalty for Non-compliance and Other Violations
On June 18, 2002, City Ordinance No. 101-02 was passed which amended
the definition of "Running at Large" and fines associated with
"Running at Large."
Frequently Asked Questions
Without having to
review the entire ordinance (which is rather lengthy), we have listed some
frequently asked questions below (in categories.)
Dogs
Other Animals
Impound
Animal Adoption
Contact
Animal Control
Does
Sweeny have a dog leash law?
Yes. The city ordinance
requires dog owners/care givers/possessors to keep dogs on a leash when
the dog is not secured in a pen or behind a fence. This applies to
the owner's/care giver's/possessor's private property, as well as
roadways, parks, and other private property. The dog can not be
allowed to run at large.
What
does "running at large" mean?
Running at large means:
-
Not completely confined by
a building, wall, fence or other enclosure of sufficient strength or
construction to restrain the animal confined thereby to the premises
of the owner, or
-
Not completely restrained
by a leash or chain sufficiently strong to prevent the animal from
escaping and which restricts the animal to the owner’s premises in
such a manner that it shall not have access to within ten (10) feet of
any sidewalk or entry to the home or to any mail box at the home, or
-
Not completely restrained
by a leash or within an automobile when away from the premises of the
owner.
NOTE: This definition of
"Running at Large" is taken from City Ordinance No. 101-02,
passed on June 18, 2002, which amended the definition and fines associated
with "Running at Large" from City Ordinance No. 103-87.
What
happens if my dog gets off my property?
Dogs are domesticated animals;
yet, they no more enjoy being fenced than we humans would. However,
dog owners are faced with a responsibility of maintaining control over
these animal for the sake of public safety, health, and common
courtesy. If the animal is reported running loose, or if it is
observed by city officials running loose, attempts will be made by animal
control officials to impound the animal. If impounded, fees will be
levied against the owner before the animal is released back to his/her
control.
The ordinance was
originally written so that the first infraction
would result in a written warning only; however, the ordinance has
since been amended. First infraction offenses may result in a
citation being issued. Second and subsequent infractions may
result in additional citations being issued. The Sweeny Municipal
Court may imposed higher and higher fines for additional violations.
What
are the penalties for dogs running at large?
|
First
Occasion |
Citation (fine
from $1.00 to $100.00) |
|
Second
or More Occasion |
Citation (fine from $1.00 to
$500.00) |
Can
I have an exotic animal in my house or on my property?
No. Wild, or exotic, animals are
prohibited in the City. They may not be kept, maintained, or harbored. See the
question and answer below for a description and list of wild animals.
What
animals are prohibited from being kept in the City?
The following "wild animals" are prohibited from the City of
Sweeny:
- Any poisonous or dangerous reptile
- Any animal which is normally found in the wild state and is normally
incapable of being domesticated, including, but not limited to:
- Skunks
- Foxes
- Leopards
- Panthers
- Tigers
- Lions
- Lynxes
The only exception is unless the animal is being possessed for
certified medical, biological, herpetological, or other scientific
research or study.
Where
is the Animal Pound?
The Animal Pound is located on
CR 373 near the San Bernard River. To get there, take Avenue A east
until to turns into CR 373 (the road will become gravel.)
Half-a-mile on the left (just past the small bridge) is a gravel
driveway. Turn into the driveway and take another left turn.
After making a sharp right, the animal pound will be located on the right
side of the driveway about fifty feet in the field.
How
Much are the Impoundment Fees?
DOGS, CATS, & OTHER SMALL ANIMALS
$10.00 Impounding Fee, plus
$3.00 for each day such animal is
impounded and confined.
SMALL LIVESTOCK
$15.00 Impounding Fee, plus
$5.00 for each day such animal is
impounded and confined.
LARGE LIVESTOCK
$20.00 Impounding Fee, plus
$7.00 for each day such animal is
impounded and confined.
What
happens to my animal if I can not pay the impound fees?
Usually arrangements can be made with
animal owners so that animals are returned in a timely manner. In extreme cases,
animals may be put up for adoption.
Can
animals be adopted from the City?
Yes. Any animal that has
not been claimed within 5 days is subject to adoption, or at any time, if the owner
requests the animal be put up for adoption.
Are
there Adoption Fees?
Yes. There is a $10.00 Adoption Fee, plus
all impounding fees incurred for the animal must be paid.
What
are the Adoption Procedures?
Any individual may adopt a dog or cat
from the City Animal Shelter or any other animal which does not have rabies or
other zoonotic disease and is not under quarantine upon the following
conditions:
-
The animal has been classified as
adoptable by the Pound Master.
-
The prospective person seeking to
adopt such animal has proper and adequate facilities to care for such animal.
-
The prospective person seeking to
adopt such animal prior to such animal being released for adoption causes all
necessary vaccinations to be obtained.
-
The prospective person seeking to
adopt pays the adoption fee of $10.00 plus all impoundment fees due; provided,
however, animals less than six (6) moths of age shall not be vaccinated for
rabies unless such vaccination is recommended by a licensed veterinarian until
such animal attains the age of six (6) months.
-
The Pound Master may refuse to
allow any person to adopt an animal whenever he/she has good reason to
believe:
-
Such person would not be able to
obtain the proper certification of vaccination under the provisions of this
ordinance; or
-
Such person does not or would not
have proper facilities that are adequate for the animal sought to be adopted
in relation to the care of the particular animal; or
-
Such person is seeking the animal
for the purposes of resale or for the purposes other than ownership thereof;
or
-
Such person would not be a
responsible owner, but would likely care for the animal in an irresponsible
manner; or
-
The particular animal would
constitute a hazard to humans or other animals.
How
do I Adopt an Animal?
Contact the Police Department. Proof of
vaccination is required at the time of the adoption. No other forms are
required.
Contact
Animal Control
Physical Address
Sweeny Police Department
123 N. Oak Street
Sweeny, TX 77480
Telephone
Dispatch: (979) 548-3111
Administration: (979) 548-3112
Fax: (979) 548-3326
Electronic Communication:
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