Bill > HB386

This bill creates a new subchapter in the Texas Health and Safety Code that prohibits the unlawful restraint of dogs. It defines key terms like "adequate shelter" and "restraint," and makes it a criminal offense for an owner to leave a dog outside and unattended using a restraint that does not meet certain requirements, such as providing access to shade, water, and shelter. The bill includes several exceptions, such as for dogs engaged in activities like herding or hunting. It also allows local governments to adopt more stringent regulations related to dog restraint, and specifies that the new law only applies to offenses committed after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2021.