Texas law on any date › Health and Safety Code
Health and Safety Code §822.0421
In force on Sep 01, 2015 · this text took effect Sep 01, 2015 · same as today's text
DETERMINATION THAT DOG IS DANGEROUS
(a) If a person reports an incident described by Section 822.041 (2), the animal control authority may investigate the incident. If, after receiving the sworn statements of any witnesses, the animal control authority determines the dog is a dangerous dog, the animal control authority shall notify the owner in writing of the determination.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, including a municipal ordinance, an owner, not later than the 15th day after the date the owner is notified that a dog owned by the owner is a dangerous dog, may appeal the determination of the animal control authority to a justice, county, or municipal court of competent jurisdiction.
(c) To file an appeal under Subsection (b), the owner must:
(1) file a notice of appeal of the animal control authority's dangerous dog determination with the court;
(2) attach a copy of the determination from the animal control authority; and
(3) serve a copy of the notice of appeal on the animal control authority by mailing the notice through the United States Postal Service.
(d) An owner may appeal the decision of the justice or municipal court under Subsection (b) in the manner described by Section 822.0424 .
History: Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 99, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 530 (H.B. 1436 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2015.
Source: the Legislature's file server, seen Nov 08, 2026.
Every version on file
- Effective Sep 01, 2015 · seen Nov 2026–Nov 2026
Attorney General opinions that cite it
- GA-0660 (Mar 06, 2008): Whether a municipal courtmay hear compliance applications filed under section 822.042(c) of the Health and Safety Code and appeals of dangerous- dog determinations under section 822.0421(b) ofthe same code
A research copy. The official text is the Legislature's (statutes), the Secretary of State's (Texas Administrative Code) or eCFR's (federal rules). Not legal advice.