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HB 448

Relating to a notarized affidavit requesting a municipal animal control authority to seize and impound a dangerous or aggressive dog in the municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Barbara Gervin-Hawkins

HB 448 allows residents to file notarized affidavits requesting municipal animal control to seize dangerous dogs in extraterritorial jurisdiction areas.

Referred to Intergovernmental Affairs
#animals(i0035) #citygovernment--general(i0060)
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Bill Summary · HB 448

Legislative bill overview

HB 448 creates a mechanism allowing residents to file notarized affidavits with municipal animal control authorities requesting the seizure and impoundment of dangerous or aggressive dogs located within the municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction (areas outside city limits but under municipal authority). This expands animal control enforcement capabilities beyond traditional city boundaries where jurisdictional authority already exists.

Why is this important

Current animal control enforcement often has jurisdictional gaps in extraterritorial areas, potentially leaving residents in these zones without adequate recourse against dangerous animals. This bill could improve public safety by providing a formal legal pathway to address threats from aggressive dogs in areas that municipalities have regulatory authority over but may lack enforcement tools.

Potential points of contention

  • Jurisdictional clarity: The bill may create confusion about which authority has jurisdiction when multiple municipalities' extraterritorial areas overlap, or when county and municipal authorities compete for enforcement responsibility.
  • Due process concerns: Affidavit-based seizure without prior judicial review could raise constitutional questions about property seizure and the rights of pet owners to defend themselves before impoundment.
  • Burden on animal control: The affidavit mechanism could lead to frivolous or malicious complaints, overwhelming municipal animal control resources without adequate verification procedures built into the statute.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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