The law often intersects with nonhuman animals, including companion animals (pets), exotic or wild animal pets, and livestock. For example, state laws dictate the ways in which people must handle and confine these animals (if they may be confined at all), and the animal owner's legal responsibility for personal injuries and property damages caused by such animals.
In Texas, the law regarding nonhuman animals is multifaceted, covering various aspects of animal ownership and welfare. For companion animals, such as pets, Texas Health and Safety Code requires owners to provide necessary food, water, care, and shelter. The state has anti-cruelty laws that prohibit cruel treatment, abandonment, and overworking of animals. When it comes to exotic or wild animal pets, Texas law is more permissive than many states, but owners must comply with specific regulations depending on the species, including obtaining permits for regulated animals. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department oversees the ownership of exotic animals and requires permits for certain species. Livestock laws in Texas, found in the Agriculture Code, address the standards for their treatment, branding, and transport. Additionally, Texas is an open range state, meaning that in many areas, livestock can roam freely unless landowners fence them out. Regarding liability, under the Texas Dog Bite Statute, an owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog if the owner knew the dog was aggressive or if the dog was not properly restrained. For other animals, the owner may be held liable under general negligence principles if they failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the animal from causing harm.
