Abilene Animal Services
Understanding the Law
Understanding the Laws
- You may not keep more than four animals (dogs and/or cats) over the age of 10 weeks.
- Cats must be tagged if they go outside.
- You may not own any wild animal whose mature weight will exceed 40 pounds.
You may not own a bat, skunk or any poisonous reptile.
- City and State law require that any dog or cat over the age of three months must be vaccinated against rabies yearly.
- If you reside inside the City limits, you must obtain a city license for your dog or cat from your veterinarian.
- Livestock is permitted in various areas of the city keeping in accordance with zoning ordinances. Any complaints, questions, or concerns regarding alive livestock within the city limits should be directed to the Taylor County Sheriff's Department.
- Cats are free roaming animals and are allowed to roam provided they are currently vaccinated and are wearing a current rabies license. In the event a cat is caught without a tag the animal will be impounded.
- You may not let your dog run loose. Keep dogs restrained* and under control at all times. It is the responsibility of any person who owns, keeps, or is in charge of a dog to keep it restrained at all times.
* "Restrained" is defined as: Confined by a fence or enclosure (including a vehicle); fastened by a lead, rope or chain; or at heel beside a competent person and obedient to that person's command.
When an animal is found in violation of the City of Abilene animal ordinance and the owner of the animal is not present, the animal will be picked up. If the animal owner arrives before the animal is placed in the vehicle the officer will go by the following procedures:
1. Give the animal owner a verbal warning
2.
Leave a letter of warning; or
3. Issue a citation
This will be at the discretion of the Animal Control Officer (ACO) as to which procedure they follow.
If the owner refuses to take a citation and goes into the house and leaves the animal loose the ACO will impound the dog. No animal will be picked up
out of a fenced yard without authorization from the person responsible for the property or a warrant.
There are some instances when a field release of a dog running at large could be probable. If the dog is wearing a current rabies vaccination tag and
the owner or an adult neighbor willing to take responsibility for the animal can be contacted, then the dog will be released to that person provided there
is no previous activity on the owner within the last year. In the event that neither party can be contacted then the dog will be impounded.
