Texas § HS.822.013 - DOGS OR COYOTES THAT ATTACK ANIMALS

Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § HS.822.013 — DOGS OR COYOTES THAT ATTACK ANIMALS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ HS.822.013. DOGS OR COYOTES THAT ATTACK ANIMALS

DOGS OR COYOTES THAT ATTACK ANIMALS. (a) A dog or coyote that is attacking, is about to attack, or has recently attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowls may be killed by: (1) any person witnessing the attack; or (2) the attacked animal's owner or a person acting on behalf of the owner if the owner or person has knowledge of the attack. (b) A person who kills a dog or coyote as provided by this section is not liable for damages to the owner, keeper, or person in control of the dog or coyote. (c) A person who discovers on the person's property a dog or coyote known or suspected of having killed livestock, domestic animals, or fowls may detain or impound the dog or coyote and return it to its owner or deliver the dog or coyote to the local animal control authority. The owner of the dog or coyote is liable for all costs incurred in the capture and care of the dog or coyote and all damage done by the dog or coyote. (d) The owner, keeper, or person in control of a dog or coyote that is known to have attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowls shall control the dog or coyote in a manner approved by the local animal control authority. (e) A person is not required to acquire a hunting license under Section 42.002 , Parks and Wildlife Code, to kill a dog or coyote under this section. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Renumbered from Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.033 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1002, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. SUBCHAPTER C. COUNTY REGISTRATION AND REGULATION OF DOGS

Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § HS.822.013

What does The Texas Constitution § HS.822.013 cover?

Section HS.822.013 ("DOGS OR COYOTES THAT ATTACK ANIMALS") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Texas § HS.822.013?

A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § HS.822.013" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Texas law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.

How does Texas § HS.822.013 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.