Laws
SOME TEXAS LAWS TO BE AWARE OF:
Texas Rabies Control Act (Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 826) Required all pet owners to vaccinate (and keep current) their pets against the deadly rabies virus after 4 months of age. Class C Misdemeanor with up to $300 fine.
HB-1141 – Anti-tethering law. Prohibits an owner from tethering a dog outside between the hours of 10pm to 6am and prohibits tethering for more than 3 hrs. It also prohibits tethering outside during extreme weather conditions such as when temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Section 42.09 of the Texas Penal Code prohibits the intentional cruel treatment of animals. Under current Texas Law, cruel treatment of animals is forbidden. The following actions define cruel punishment:
- Torturing an animal
- Failing to provide food, care, or shelter
- Abandoning an animal (*See not below)
- Transporting or confining an animal is a cruel manner
*Tarrant County – Animal Ordinance http://fortworthtexas.gov/animals/ordinance
Parker County – There is a county-wide leash law in Parker County which means all dogs must be contained to your property or on a leash at all times within the county. Any dogs not on a leash or contained within their property are subject to being impounded and taken to the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter in Weatherford.
JCHS DOG ADOPTION FEES COVER:
- Spay/neuter, pain medication
- First round of vaccines & boosters if old enough
- Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Adenovirus type 2, & Parainfluenza vaccines
- Heartworm test
- Rabies vaccination
- Worming
- Flea treatment
IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATIONS:
PARVO
Parvo is a serious viral disease that affects dogs. The disease most commonly affects puppies and young dogs, but animals of all ages can become infected. Usually, the worst effects are on the intestines, causing vomiting and diarrhea that is often bloody, but it also affects the bone marrow and may damage the heart, causing it to fail. The disease is often, though not always, fatal. Parvo is the most common lethal virus known to affect dogs, but it is preventable with a vaccine.
The virus is spread through the feces and vomit of infected dogs. It is extremely contagious, but direct contact with other dogs is not necessary, as it is found practically everywhere. The virus is scattered around and can be carried by humans on shoes, clothing and skin, and by other animals. It can therefore be found in homes and gardens, and dogs can become infected without coming near another animal. Strong bleach will kill it, but there is little that can be done about virus particles in gardens, parks, or other outdoor areas. The most important preventative measure is vaccination. It is generally administered around six weeks, re-administered three to four additional times before the dog is a year old, and annually after that. With the proper vaccination, the dog will be protected from the virus.
HEARTWORMS
Heartworm infection is acquired by a dog through the bite of an infected mosquito and enters the heart and lungs through the bloodstream. Heartworms can live in an infected dog for 5 to 7 years! Symptoms can include coughing, sluggishness and difficulty breathing. The best weapon against heartworm is prevention. Heartworm treatment is difficult and expensive — and further complications to your dog’s health can occur.
JCHS CAT ADOPTION FEES COVER:
- Spay/neuter, pain medication
- First round of vaccines and boosters if old enough
- FELV test
- Rabies vaccination
- Worming
- Flea treatment
IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATIONS:
Feline Leukemia
Feline leukemia virus, or FeLV for short, is a retrovirus like FIV. FeLV is transmitted from infected cats to other cats through saliva and nasal secretions. It can also be found in other bodily fluids. It is transmitted through close contact, grooming of or by an infected cat, etc. The disease can also be transmitted, although less commonly, through fighting, using the same litter box or eating or drink from the same dishes as a positive cat.
What can one expect when a cat is diagnosed with FeLV? This depends entirely on the cat. Most adult, positive cats have two or three good years before succumbing to the disease. Most kittens who test positive, sadly, only live a few months to a year until the disease takes them.
A number of different tests are available to diagnose FeLV. A vaccine to protect against feline leukemia does exist. However, cat caretakers should talk with their vet about the benefits and risks of the vaccine.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, is a lentivirus, meaning “a slow virus.” It is in the same retrovirus family as the Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), but doesn’t have the same characteristics. FIV is not a death sentence. Positive cats can often live long, healthy lives with proper veterinary care and nutrition. FIV is a species-specific disease, meaning it can only be spread to other cats. Cats primarily are infected with this disease when there is contact with blood from a FIV positive cat.