A loose animal aka an animal at large is defined as any animal, including fowl or livestock, not restrained by some physical means to the premises of its owner or harborer/caretaker. This includes in a front yard that is not fenced in.

The running at-large of animals, including fowl or livestock, within the city is prohibited. No owner, possessor, or harborer shall allow the animal, fowl, or livestock to run at-large. All animals, including fowl or livestock, must be restrained by some physical means. An animal, fowl, or livestock shall not be considered at-large when held and controlled by a person by means of a rope, leash, or chain or as defined under the term "at-large" in section 14-1.

Loose animals create problems for our community. They become traffic hazards and are a nuisance to the neighborhood. Roaming cats and dogs get into trash and may chase people or other dogs or cats. Be a good neighbor and keep your pet confined.

Any animal found at-large will be required to be spayed/neutered whether impounded by an ACO or returned to the owner. The owner will be required to show proof of spay/neuter to animal services at time of reclaim or no later than one (1) day of notification that animal was at-large. If the animal is not spayed/neutered when found to be at-large, the animal will be required to be spayed/neutered in compliance with section 14-373. Sterilization under this section may be waived for the first at-large occurrence if the owner can show current proof of registration with a recognized national show organization.

An animal shall not be considered at-large when held and controlled by some person by means of a leash or chain of proper strength and length to control the actions of the animal, fowl or livestock. An animal shall not be considered at-large when participating in a show, competition, or training program. A licensed cat meeting the requirements in section 14-297 or a cat harbored as a member cat of a registered cat colony or a nonmember feral cat shall not be considered at-large unless they are creating a public nuisance or unaltered.

*Note: A person commits an offense if he takes possession of an at-large dog or cat within the city and knowingly fails to make within 72 hours after taking possession, a reasonable effort to locate the owner by: Calling the telephone number listed on the animal's tags; Taking the animal to the Wichita Falls Animal Services Center (ASC), a licensed veterinarian or other animal agency with a microchip scanner to be scanned for a microchip, checked for a tattoo or other identification screening and attempting to contact the owner if identified through the screening; Making a found report to ASC including contact information, description of the animal, and location of where the animal was found.

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