(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to leave or confine any animal in any standing or parked vehicle in such a way as to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly endanger the animal's health, safety or welfare. For purposes of this section, ENDANGER shall mean in a manner less than CRUEL as defined by Texas Penal Code § 42.092 and nothing in this section shall preclude the prosecution of the higher animal cruelty offense if supported by the facts.
(B) An animal services officer or police officer is authorized to use reasonable force to remove an animal from a vehicle whenever it appears that the animal's health, safety or welfare is or will be endangered if the owner of the vehicle cannot be located after reasonable attempts and time.
(C) The animal shall be taken to the animal shelter or to a veterinarian if the animal is in distress. A written notice bearing the name of the officer removing the animal, a telephone number where she can be contacted and the location where the animal may be claimed by the owner shall be attached to the vehicle.
(D) Any person violating this section shall bear the full cost and expense incurred by the city in the care, medical treatment, impoundment cost and disposal of the animal, including any damage caused by the animal services officer or police officer's efforts to remove the animal from the vehicle.
(Ord. 01-04-2018-ANIMAL, passed 1-4-2018)