Amarillo caps combined dogs and cats per household at four, and prohibits keeping animals in overcrowded or unsanitary conditions under Chapter 8-2. Animal Management and Welfare officers enforce these rules.
Amarillo Code of Ordinances Ch. 8-2 (Animals and Fowl) addresses animal overcrowding through two mechanisms. Section 8-2-5 limits households to no more than four dogs and cats combined. Keeping animals in numbers or conditions that constitute inadequate care — insufficient food, water, shelter, or space — violates the ordinance's adequate-care provisions, which mirror Texas Health and Safety Code Ch. 821. A breeder's permit is available for those exceeding the four-animal limit for breeding purposes. Animal Management and Welfare officers may issue citations; fines range from $1–$500 per violation as set by Municipal Court.
Citations issued by Animal Management and Welfare officers; fines $1–$500 per violation per day as determined by Amarillo Municipal Court. Animals may be impounded.
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