Posted in: by Anderson Injury Lawyers
Fort Worth has specific laws on the restraint and keeping of dogs within city limits. The purpose of these rules is to keep others safe and, in the event of a dog attack, to make victim’s rights clear.
Rules of Dog Restraint in Fort Worth Homes
- Dogs kept in backyards must be secured behind a physical fence at least 48 inches high.
- Dogs designated as dangerous by the city must be kept behind a fence at least 60 inches high.
- If a dog can jump the fence, the owner must install a larger fence.
- It’s an owner’s responsibility to prevent dogs from digging under their fence.
- Dog owners must keep fences in good working condition to ensure their dog stays contained.
Tethering a dog (meaning to tie it up using chains, ropes, etc.) is BANNED in Fort Worth. This law is relatively new.
Leash Laws in Fort Worth
- When a dog is being walked off its property, it must be on a leash.
- Dog owners must be with their leashed dog at all times.
Spay and Neutering Laws
- Female dogs over the age of 6 months must be spayed.
- Male dogs over the age of 8 months must be neutered.
- If the owner chooses not to have their dog spayed or neutered, they must get an intact pet permit through the city.
You Must Vaccinate Your Dog
- Dogs must receive a rabies vaccine by the time they’re 4 months old.
- They should have a booster shot at 16 months of age.
- Dogs must be vaccinated every three years after that.
You Own a Dog In Fort Worth If…
If you keep, shelter, feed or harbor a dog for more than three consecutive days in Fort Worth, it’s yours. As a dog owner, you’re required to:
- Provide sufficient food and water served in clean containers
- Provide adequate shelter that protects your dog from the elements, including the heat and cold
- Provide veterinary care as needed
Dangerous Dog Designation
A dog is considered “dangerous” in Fort Worth if it attacked someone (or another dog) unprovoked, unless the attack was on its own property.