Dear Editor,
As animal owners, it is your responsibility to: Feed, water, spay, neuter, get all their shots and keep them from running rampant. This applies to dogs, cats, horses, donkeys or any other livestock.
I don’t care if you live on 50 feet or 50,000 acres; you are responsible. And if you think you are untouchable or the law doesn’t apply to you; think again.
Texas State Law:
822.012: Dogs cannot run at large and there are criminal penalties.
822.013: Owners are responsible for all charges caused by their dogs. Cost of livestock – vet bills – court costs.
826: All subchapters are applicable. Including mandatory rabies shot.
If I could change the laws; they would be more severe.
–1st contact by sheriff – warning issued and you have 30 days to comply.
–2nd contact by sheriff – a ticket is issued for a fine of $1,000 and you have 30 days to pay the fine and comply with the original warning.
–3rd contact by sheriff – you are arrested – 30 days in jail and a fine of $3,000. After release, you have 30 days to comply with the original warning.
–4th contact by sheriff – you are arrested again – 90 days in jail and a fine of $10,000.
It is not the animals fault, It’s yours. Comply with the laws of Texas and the cities and counties therein.
Nanette Piotroski
Fairfield, Texas
