§ 8-28. Defenses.

(a)

It is a defense to prosecution under this chapter that the person is a veterinarian, a peace officer, a person employed by a recognized animal shelter, or a person employed by the state or a political subdivision of the state who deals with stray animals and has temporary ownership, custody, or control of the dog in connection with and while performing the duties of that position.

(b)

It is a defense to prosecution under this chapter that the person is an employee of the institutional division of the state department of criminal justice or a law enforcement agency and trains or uses dogs for law enforcement or corrections purposes and such person has temporary ownership, custody, or control of the dog in connection with and while performing the duties of that position.

(c)

It is a defense to prosecution under this chapter that the person is a dog trainer or an employee of a guard dog company under the Private Security Act, V.T.C.A., Occupations Code § 1702.001 et seq. and performing the duties of that position.

(Code 1994, art. 2.2800; Ord. No. 389, § 1, 6-13-2005)