Leash Laws in Houston

Moms have LOTS in common.  But maybe none more than the fact that we want to protect and keep our babies safe.  It’s innate.  It’s what we do.  Don’t even try to get in our way.  Or TRY…and see what happens.

Lately, I’ve encountered the same DANGER over and over again in my part of Houston.  A danger that threatens myself, but of more concern to me than anything…MY BABIES.

Negligent dog owners. 

Notice I didn’t say DOGS.  Nope.  I’m not a dog-basher.  I happen to love dogs.  The danger, in my opinion, lies with HUMANS who let their dogs run free in neighborhoods, parks, and on city streets.  I have HAD it.  And I know many of you have too.  I’m tired of having to loudly yell “NO!”, tired of having to hastily whip my 1 and 2 year old  into my arms, tired of being chased, charged, growled at and having my ankles nipped at.  All because a dog is NOT LEASHED.  But perhaps my favorite part of all of it has to be that good ‘ol negligent dog owner who is usually close by – yelling at you {as their dog is charging you!} not to worry.  That their dog would never bite.  Or don’t be scared.  Or here’s the best one I’ve heard, that YOU are scaring THEIR DOG by jogging by or by shouting at it as it runs at you.  Ah yes, I LOVE when the negligent dog owner tries to put the blame on YOU.  Are you freaking kidding me?!?!

PEOPLE…I have two words for you.

LEASH LAWS.

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Let’s raise awareness.  Refuse for you and your children to be a dog-attack statistic.  Lord knows we’ve seen enough of them on the news as of late.  Don’t hesitate to call your local police department the next time it happens to you.  You are covered by the law.

From the Houston Department of Health and Human Services ::

Dogs and Cats may not “run at large” in Houston.  “Running at large” means going on public or private property without the owner or another person having direct physical control of the animal.  An animal on a leash is considered to be under direct physical control of a person.

When animals are not on a leash they must be otherwise restrained, either behind a fence or in some other enclosure that will prevent their escape.

“Running at large” may result in impoundment of the animal or in the issuance of one or more citations.

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Misty W
Born and raised in the Houston area, Misty married her husband Chuck in 2005, and is blessed to be called "mommy" three different ways...step, adoptive, and biological. Her kids are Maddi {Sept 1995}, Mason {June 1999}, Levi {Nov 2011}, and Kate {Nov 2012}. She and her husband struggled through six years of infertility. After enduring unsuccessful fertility treatments GALORE, their path led them to adoption and soon after, a surprise pregnancy! Misty is a teacher-turned-SAHM and is passionate about Jesus, her family, adoption, others suffering with infertility, running, reading, and chocolate. You can read all about her incredibly blessed journey and every day life over at so much more...yet to come.

8 COMMENTS

  1. Thanks Misty! My dog and mother-in-law were attacked by a loose dog a couple of months ago. Luckily they both had minor injuries, but it was scary!

  2. I agree with this. There are designated dog parks where owners can allow their dogs off-leash. They shouldn’t be off leash at parks where children play. The other day, I had my two three year olds at Milroy Park. There was a man there with two large dogs off their leash. At one point, the German Shepherd started coming toward my daughter on the swing. I put myself between my daughter and the dog, and the man whistled his dog back, but it made me nervous. I should have said something, and I regret not saying anything. I grew up with a German Shepherd and I know they are wonderful dogs, who can be great family pets. But I know they also proactively go after what they perceive as threats. After he called his dog back, he got on his cell phone – leaving his two big dogs to roam the park unattended. We left.

  3. What about a dig that is in his owners front yard without a leash or fence? I was running in my neighborhood with my dog (on a leash) today and two big dogs started charging at us and barking aggressively. I yelled panicked at the owners to get their dogs, but all they did was tell me to keep running. I don’t know if the dogs left the yard or not, because I was too busy running, but can I report this?

  4. I agree with what is being said and any animal including human that attacks or runs after you should be punished how ever I have a dog she has been trained to the fullest and is restrained in every way but not always by a lease unless in arrears with lots of people young and old. I have problems when my dog is minding her own business and parents let there children attack her my dog does not barks unless has to and submitted to anyone whomever approaches her. And I get yelled at for trying to keep the children away because their parents will not they think it’s cute. I think restraint in the law does not mean a leash and if a dog does cause harm then yes a dog or pet owner should be prosecuted. Don’t blame Everyone unless you have reason. To if my dog licks any one or worse I do expect legalities.

  5. I agree with what is being said and any animal including human that attacks or runs after you should be punished how ever, I have a dog she has been trained to the fullest and is restrained in every way but not always by a lease unless in arrears with lots of people young and old. I have problems when my dog is minding her own business and parents let there children attack her my dog does not barks unless has to and she submitts to anyone whom approaches her. I get yelled at for trying to keep the children away because their parents will not they think it’s cute. I think restraint in the law does not mean a leash and if a dog does cause harm to anyone or thing then yes a dog or pet owner should be prosecuted. Don’t blame Everyone unless you have reason. if my dog licks any one or worse I would expect legalities.

  6. I completely agree with this and I think it’s a much bigger problem than people realize. Not just dogs roaming at large- dogs and cats whose negligent owners do not take responsibility for them are increasingly common and a major issue.

    We recently had to go to court over a vicious dog who broke through our fence and attacked my husband in the backyard. If it had been my son in the backyard rather than my husband, my child would not have survived the attack.

    And what did the owners say? That this was all our fault, of course. That their dog had been properly trained and would *never* attack unprovoked, despite the fact that they walk the dog without a leash because the dog will throw a fit if you leash it.

    Thankfully, the court disagreed and the dog was declared dangerous.

  7. What about shock collars or e-collars?? My dog does not do well with a leash so he is trained with the shock collar and is extremely obedient. What are the laws on shock collars/e-collars? Would that replace the need of an actual leash since it is a form of restraining the dog?

  8. I miss being able to have a “Curb Your Dog” sign so I wouldn’t be incessantly picking up dog feces from my property that the owner didn’t pick up after their dog.

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