Code Enforcement and Animal Control

Code enforcement’s purpose is to make the city sanitary for all citizens and help protect the citizen’s investment in their home.

Animal control’s purpose is to keep the citizens safe and free of the spread of rabies. Our registration requirement is not meant to be a burden on the citizen. It is the way we can make sure that the domesticated animals in the city are free of rabies. Because of the wild life population it is necessary to keep the danger of rabies infection under control.

So let’s keep working together and keep this city the place to live.

Below is the Animal Ordinance for Morgan’s Point Resort.

Sec. 2.01.002     Penalty

Any person or persons violating any provision of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). Each and every violation of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a separate offense and every day of violation shall constitute a separate violation. (Ordinance 14-7A, sec. 20, adopted 2/15/05)

Sec. 2.01.003     Owner responsibility; registration of dogs and cats

(a)     Animals at large. An owner or guardian of an animal commits an offense if by criminal negligence he permits an animal to go at large upon the premises of others or upon the streets and other ways of the city (enforcement will be determined by the animal control officer or police officer).

(b)     Nuisances. An owner or guardian of an animal commits an offense if by criminal negligence he allows his animal to create a nuisance as defined herein.

(c)     Registration of dogs and cats. It shall be unlawful for the owner or guardian of any dog or cat in the city to fail to obtain an annual license tag for such animals from the city and to display (except cats) such tag from the collar or harness about the neck of such animal. The city will review the receipt issued by the licensed veterinarian and if in order will issue a metal tag for registration. A permanent record of tags issued will be maintained in the city files.

ARTICLE 2.02 RABIES CONTROL

Sec. 2.02.001     Vaccination of dogs, cats and ferrets required

The owner of each dog, cat, or domestic ferret kept within the city shall have every such dog, cat or domestic ferret vaccinated against rabies in accordance with Texas Administrative Code, section 169.29 and once each year thereafter. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or keep a dog, cat, or domestic ferret within the city limits unless the same has been vaccinated against rabies.

State law reference–Rabies vaccinations, V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code, sec. 826.021 et seq.

Sec. 2.02.002     Wearing of vaccination tag

It shall be unlawful for an owner to allow a dog over the age of four (4) months to be at large without wearing a current metal vaccination tag issued by a veterinarian during the preceding twelve (12) months. The vaccination tag must be for the animal that is wearing it. It shall be prima facie evidence of vaccination against rabies that a dog is wearing attached to its collar a current metal vaccination tag.

Vaccination and Registration

Is Your Pet Dangerous To Your Health? (PDF)

The Code Enforcement Official is responsible for the enforcement of all city Codes, building ordinances, City ordinances and animal control. To contact the Code Enforcement Official call (254) 742-3254.

The Bell County Health Department has forwarded a warning from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the danger of Salmonella infections from African Dwarf Frogs. These frogs are common in aquariums in many households. There have been 241 cases in 42 states. Texas has had 5 cases reported that is believed from handling the frogs. People are advised to wash hands and use rubber glove when handling frogs or water in aquariums.

The Bell County Health Department has also put out a warning about an increase in rabies cases. People are warned about handling wild animals. This city requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies and be registered with the city and provide proof of rabies vaccination each year. No rabies cases have been found in the city of Morgan’s Point Resort. However, there have been two rabies cases in the Belton area.

Reports of dog bites have increased in the past few years. If you own a dog you must keep the dog on your property. If you walk your dog the dog must be on a leash at all times. If your dog is off your property and bites a person or attempts to attack a person, the dog will be determined to be a dangerous dog. At that time you will be required to meet all the requirements of owning a dangerous dog as written in state law. Yes, even if you have a very small dog. Your cooperation is required for the safety of all the citizens of the city.