87S30311 MCF-D
 
  By: Talarico H.B. No. 147
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the regulation of kennels; creating a criminal offense.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Title 10, Health and Safety Code, is amended by
  adding Chapter 824 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 824. KENNELS
         Sec. 824.001.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
               (1)  "Fire protection sprinkler system" has the meaning
  assigned by Section 766.051.
               (2)  "Kennel" means a facility that provides boarding
  and related services to cats or dogs for the purpose of breeding,
  sheltering, training, or hunting, or similar purposes in exchange
  for compensation or other consideration.
         Sec. 824.002.  APPLICABILITY. This chapter does not apply
  to:
               (1)  an animal shelter as defined by Chapter 823;
               (2)  a veterinary medicine clinic; or
               (3)  a kennel that boards not more than three dogs or
  cats at any time.
         Sec. 824.003.  REQUIRED SMOKE OR SIMILAR DETECTION SYSTEM OR
  EMPLOYEE PRESENCE. (a) A kennel owner or operator shall:
               (1)  install and maintain in good working order a smoke
  or similar detection system in each building on the premises of the
  kennel; or
               (2)  ensure a kennel employee remains on the premises
  of the kennel at all times when one or more dogs or cats are on the
  premises for boarding and related services.
         (b)  The system required under Subsection (a)(1) must:
               (1)  include a fire protection sprinkler system;
               (2)  be operable at all times when a cat or dog is on the
  premises of the kennel; and
               (3)  instantaneously alert a kennel employee and each
  local fire department with jurisdiction over the kennel on
  detection of a fire or potential fire hazard that triggers the
  system.
         Sec. 824.004.  CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A kennel owner or
  operator commits an offense if:
               (1)  the owner or operator violates Section 824.003;
  and
               (2)  the violation results in the injury or death of a
  cat or dog boarded at or receiving services from the kennel.
         (b)  An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor. 
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect on the 91st day after the
  last day of the legislative session.