Hutto, TX Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 4's definitions section defines a "dangerous animal" as one that has made an unprovoked attack on a human being or another animal, with no reference to breed, and expressly excludes properly restrained guard or attack dogs kept under article 4.09's confinement standards. Article 4.10 declares harboring a dangerous animal a public nuisance under section 4.10.001 and, under section 4.10.002, makes it unlawful to own, keep or harbor one once the owner knows of an unprovoked attack or once a court has made that determination.

Reaching a court determination requires a sworn written complaint filed with an animal control officer describing the incident, witnesses and the animal's past conduct under section 4.10.004; the officer investigates and, if the evidence supports it, files with the municipal court for a hearing under section 4.10.005. Section 4.10.006 gives the owner at least ten days' notice by personal service or certified mail, allows impoundment pending the hearing, and, if the court finds the animal dangerous, orders it destroyed or permanently removed from the city, whichever is the least restrictive means to protect public safety; an owner given a removal order has five days to remove the animal and must prove removal within five more days or the animal is seized and destroyed.

Section 4.10.003 lists defenses, including that the victim was trespassing, provoking, or committing a crime, or that the animal was defending itself, its owner, or its young. Impoundment costs are billed to the owner within thirty days of the order.