A dangerous animal is defined as an animal other than a dog that the director determines to be a danger to human life, health, or safety in our local ordinance aka rules.

A dangerous dog is defined as a dog that makes an unprovoked attack on a person or animal that causes bodily injury and occurs in a place other than the enclosure in which the dog is normally kept or was being kept or commits unprovoked acts in a place other than the enclosure in which the dog is normally kept or was being kept, and those acts cause a person to reasonably believe that the dog will attack and cause bodily injury to that person or to another animal.

If the Wichita Falls Animal Services Center receives a complaint that a dog is dangerous and the complainant provides a sworn statement with particulars concerning the complaint, a thorough investigation shall be made. 

If it is determined by the health director or his/her designee that an animal is dangerous and presents a substantial danger to the public health, safety, and welfare of the community, the owner shall be notified that a dangerous dog determination has been made.

The owner or harborer may voluntarily declare that a dog is dangerous and apply for a dangerous dog license, or the health director or his/her designee acting on information it has received may declare a dog dangerous after a thorough investigation.

To file a complaint, click here Headline or call Animal Services Dispatch at 940-761-7824.