Tex. Health & Safety Code § 822.046

Current with legislation from the 2023 Regular and Special Sessions signed by the Governor as of November 21, 2023.
Section 822.046 - Defense
(a) It is a defense to prosecution under Section 822.044 or Section 822.045 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 to deal with stray animals and has temporary ownership, custody, or control of the dog in connection with that position.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under Section 822.044 or Section 822.045 that the person is an employee of the institutional division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or a law enforcement agency and trains or uses dogs for law enforcement or corrections purposes.
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under Section 822.044 or Section 822.045 that the person is a dog trainer or an employee of a guard dog company under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code.

Tex. Health and Safety Code § 822.046

Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.809, eff. 9/1/2001.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 916, Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/1991.