New Texas Dog Laws starting 9-1-2007

• A dog's unprovoked attack away from its owner's property kills someone, permanently disfigures them or destroys or impairs a body part or organ. A previous attack by the dog isn't required, but prosecutors must prove the owner was criminally negligent in failing to secure the animal – not heeding a "substantial and unjustifiable risk."
• The owner knows the dog has previously injured someone or been deemed dangerous by authorities, and the dog makes an unprovoked attack outside its enclosure causing death or injury requiring hospitalization.
In either situation, the offense is a third-degree felony with punishment of two to 10 years in prison – a second-degree felony (two to 20 years) in the case of death.

OTHER ANIMAL LAWS EFFECTIVE SATURDAY:

• Limit how long an owner can leave a dog unattended and restrained outside. The anti-tethering law is designed to prevent owners from keeping their dogs chained up outside between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and from leaving them outside in stormy conditions. Owners in violation of the law get a warning from a peace or animal control officer before being charged with a misdemeanor. Dog fighting opponents say this law will make it harder for dogfighters to chain up several pit bulls in their back yard all day, every day.
• Require most animal control officers to be trained and certified to do their jobs. It's the first time the state has required animal control workers to be certified.

SOURCE: Dallas Morning News research