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Harris County panel upholds dangerous‑dog designation after owner’s testimony
Summary
After a continued appeal hearing, the Harris County board upheld animal control’s dangerous‑dog designation for a dog involved in a December bite; the owner denied the dog left his property. The board cited county ordinance definitions and gave the owner 20 days from notice delivery to meet registration and insurance requirements.
The Harris County appeals hearing on a dangerous‑dog designation was continued and concluded Feb. 17, when the board voted to affirm animal‑control’s classification.
County attorney Russell Britt opened the continued hearing, entered exhibits into the record and explained the county standard for a “dangerous dog,” saying the board must decide whether to sustain, modify or overrule the Animal Control Department’s designation. Britt told the board the dog had been in animal‑control custody for more than two months and that, if the designation is sustained, owners must obtain a certificate of registration, provide insurance of at least $15,000, post warnings on the premises and follow restrictions on the dog’s outdoor presence.
Dog owner Bruce (Mr.) Elliott testified under oath, denying that his animal left his property and disputing the complainant’s account: “I was, like, this far away from where she was,” he said, and later added that his gate was closed and that he had no additional documentary evidence to counter the incident report. Staff later provided custody and boarding figures in the record: the dog had been held 75 days, including a 10‑day quarantine period billed at $20 per day and subsequent boarding billed at $10 per day; the owner paid $200 for the quarantine period.
Commissioner Grant moved to affirm animal control’s designation. After brief discussion about delay related to absent counsel, the board voted by show of hands and unanimously upheld the dangerous‑dog classification. Clerk staff said the decision notice will be mailed by email, certified mail and regular mail; Britt said the 20‑day compliance clock should run from delivery of that notice, and if the Elliotts do not meet the registration, insurance and fee requirements within the period the dog will be surrendered to animal control.
The board adjourned the hearing portion and returned the matter to the county commission’s regular agenda. The notice of the decision will include the effective date and the compliance deadline.
