RELEASE OF DANGEROUS ANIMAL TO OWNER.
Austin City Code § 3-5-5
in effect§ 3-5-5 - RELEASE OF DANGEROUS ANIMAL TO OWNER.
(A) The health authority may not release a dangerous animal to its owner or handler unless the owner or handler:
(1) pays all fees and charges assessed under this title, including the actual cost of care and feeding incurred by the animal shelter; or
(2) makes payment arrangements acceptable to the health authority.
(B) The health authority may not release a dangerous animal to its owner or handler unless the owner or handler agrees:
(1) to remove the animal from within the city limits;
(2) to confine the animal in a licensed veterinary clinic, zoo, shelter, museum, or educational or medical institution; or
(3) to give the animal to a person holding a valid license or permit authorizing an attempt to rehabilitate the dangerous animal.
Source: 1992 Code Section 3-1-3(E); Ord. 031009-9; Ord. 031211-11.
Source: City of Austin, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT3ANRE_CH3-5DAAN_S3-5-5REDAANOWFetched: 10/27/2026