Dogs running at large prohibited within city limits

The Wills Point Municipal Court issued a press release earlier this week, outlining all city ordinances regarding both at large dogs and dangerous dogs after seeing an influx of both types of cases throughout the summer and into the fall.

The WPMC stated: “It is unlawful for any keeper or owner of any dog to permit such dog to run at large within the city. The term "to run at large" means to be free of restraint on or beyond the boundaries of the premises of the keeper. Any such dog when not restrained on the premises of its owner shall be controlled by a leash held by a competent person and shall not be deemed running at large. A citation will also be issued for Dog at Large. The fine and court costs for this violation are $266. If such dog is declared dangerous by animal control, the dog owner has 15 days to appeal the decision to the Municipal Court. If such decision is not appealed to the Municipal Court, the owner then has 30 days to comply with the city of Wills Point’s dangerous dog ordinance and guidelines.

The following requirements have been set for the owner of a vicious/dangerous animal:

“A) Confinement. All dangerous dogs shall be securely confined indoors or in an enclosed and locked pen or structure upon the premises of the owner. The pen or structure must have minimum dimensions of five feet by ten feet and must have secure sides and a secure top attached to the sides. If no bottom is secured to the sides, the sides must be embedded into the ground no less than two feet. All pens or structures must be adequately lighted and kept clean and sanitary. The enclosure must also protect the animal from the elements.

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