TITLE: Relating to the classification and care of working dogs.

SUMMARY: Relating to the classification and care of working dogs.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the classification and care of working dogs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act a "working dog" means: (1) A dog used primarily for the purpose of driving, tending, locating, working, or protecting stock to include domestic and feral stock, swine and exotics; (2) A dog used for police, military, substance detection, protection, search, rescue or recovery purposes; (3) A dog used as a service, assistance or therapy animal; (4) A dog used to locate, retrieve, or capture an animal, or used in the recovery of wounded or dead animals; (5) A dog that is in training for any of the above purposes; (6) The definition does not rely upon where the dog lives, or its breed, but its primary use; SECTION 2. A dog that is defined as a "working dog" is not considered a pet and will be exempt from laws intended to apply to pets. (2) A working dog will not be subject to laws: (a) Requiring mandatory spay or neuter; (b) Restricting or requiring permits for the number of animals an owner may possess, regardless of reproductive status; (c) Restricting how the dog may be housed; (d) Requiring additional insurance due to weight, breed, sex, or reproductive status of the dog; (e) Restricting breeds that may be kept by the owner. SECTION 3. Section 42.09, Penal Code applies to the care of working dogs. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.