1. What is the purpose of this ordinance?
The purpose of this ordinance is to promote public health, safety, and welfare by limiting the number of dogs and cats that can be kept on residential properties in Lockhart. The ordinance aims to reduce potential nuisances and health and safety risks associated with having too many pets in one household.
2. How many dogs and cats can I have on my property?
You can have no more than five (5) dogs and/or cats combined on any residential property in Lockhart. This limit applies to all residential properties, including single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, and townhouses, within Lockhart city limits.
3. I currently have more than five dogs and/or cats. What should I do?
If you have more than five (5) dogs and/or cats as of the effective date of this ordinance, you must register all pets with the Lockhart Animal Shelter within 90 days of the ordinance's effective date. This date falls on February 18, 2024. The pets must be brought to the shelter in person when you register them. Pets will be issued a microchip number that will also be used as a registration number.
The registration fee is $15 per pet and includes a microchip. If an animal is microchipped but is not registered, it will cost $15 to register them.
4. Can I replace a pet if it dies?
Once you have registered your pets with the Lockhart Animal Shelter, you may not replace any pet that dies until the total number of dogs and cats on your property is reduced to five or fewer.
5. What happens if I do not register my pets?
Failure to register your pets within the required 90-day period will result in penalties. A citation will be issued, and you will have 30 days to register your pets. If you fail to do so, you may face fines up to:
- $200 for the first offense
- $300 for the second offense
- $500 for subsequent offenses
6. Are there any exemptions to this ordinance?
Yes, certain exemptions apply:
- Licensed animal shelters, rescue organizations, and commercial breeders are not subject to these restrictions.
- Individuals fostering animals for licensed shelters or rescue organizations are also exempt, but they must register as an animal foster with the Lockhart Animal Shelter within 30 days of accepting their first foster animal.
- If you are an existing foster, you must register within 30 days of the ordinance's effective date.
- You may also apply for a variance if you need an exemption beyond the stated limits. Variances are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Pet owners must request an exemption in person at the Lockhart Animal Shelter, where staff will collect information and make an assessment.
7. What if I need more than five pets for a legitimate reason?
If you need more than five dogs and/or cats, you can apply for a variance with Lockhart Animal Control. Animal Control will review your application and may approve it on a case-by-case basis.
8. When does the ordinance take effect?
The ordinance will take effect 30 days after it is passed and published according to applicable law. This date falls on December 19, 2024.
For more information or to register pets, please contact the Lockhart Animal Shelter at (512) 398-4401, by email at lockhartanimalservices@lockhart-tx.org, or in person at 547 Old McMahan Rd.