General

On October 25, 2021, after the most contentious Texas legislative session in memory, the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act was signed into law. THLN never wavered during the six-year quest to pass this legislation, even when it was targeted by an extremist lawmaker and unexpectedly vetoed.

Texas dogs and the communities where they reside deserve a common-sense, balanced policy governing the restraint of dogs outdoors. The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, which goes into effect January 18, 2022, achieves that by:

Defining adequate shelter to protect dogs from extreme temperatures, inclement weather, and standing water. Previously, there was no definition for shelter, thus tethered dogs routinely perished from exposure. Requiring access to drinkable water. Before the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, state law did not include this vital requirement. Requiring safe restraints. The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act strikes the use of chains. Other means of restraint, such as cable tie-outs, may be used so long as they are correctly attached to a collar or harness designed to restrain a dog.

Arguably the most significant change wrought by the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act is removing the 24-hour warning period that allowed bad actors to flout the law. Officers can take immediate action for tethered dogs in distress from now on.

What the Safe Outdoor Act Does – English | Spanish How to Properly Restrain Your Dog Outdoors – English | Spanish Key Exceptions to the Safe Outdoors Act – English | Spanish

Exceptions to the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act
The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act does not prevent owners from tethering dogs. The law requires that unattended dogs are tethered in a way that keeps them and the people around them safe, and there are several exceptions to the law. The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act does not apply to dogs who are:

Attached to a cable-tie out or trolley system. Camping or using other public recreational areas. Herding livestock or assisting with farming tasks. Hunting or participating in field trials. In an open-air truck bed while the owner completes a temporary task.

Restraining Dogs Without Using Chains
The American Veterinary Medical Association and the Center for Disease Control agree that chaining dogs is an inappropriate method of restraint. Not only do chains tangle, rust, and break, but they often cause pain and injury.

Conversely, cable tie-outs and trolley systems are designed to restrain dogs, so they are lightweight, strong, and flexible. On average, they cost between $15-$30 and are easy to find in stores and online. Below are links to highly rated cable tie-outs and trolley systems:

Tumbo Trolley Dog Containment System Expawlorer Dog Tie Out Cable Boss Pet Prestige Skyline Trolly BV Pet Heavy Extra-Large Tie Out Cable Petest Trolley Runner Cable XiaZ Dog Runner Tie Out Cable

Watch this short video to see examples of cable tie-outs recommended by a company that rates affordable pet products. Always install cable tie-outs and trolley systems according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Read FAQ.

The District has implemented a text alert system for the residents of Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 150. This system is designed to keep you informed of issues related to the District in a quick and timely manner. You may receive messages in text alert format related to the water service in the District, drainage and sewer related topics, and other news that is relevant to the District.

Text message notifications will contain a short amount of information with a link back to the District’s website where the remainder of the information can be viewed.

These notifications are a great way to stay up to date on news and issues within the District and we highly encourage you to sign up and share this information with your neighbors.

To sign up for text notifications, please click here to visit the sign up page.

Hello All,

We are presenting Project Guardian, a project that bridges the gap between Law Enforcement Officers and our community with Autism. This is a free, voluntary, and confidential database offered, managed, and maintained by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for Harris County residents. Interested family members will be able to enroll their loved one with autism into the program by providing information on the person via an online application on the HCSO public website. This information is available to deputies through dispatch should they receive a call for service to the person’s residence. As part of the program, once they register, I will be sending them a sticker that they could place on the house window so it can also alert the deputy that someone in the home is part of the project.

The families wanting to register their loved ones can do so by two ways:

• They can visit our HCSO CIT Website at www.harriscountycit.org. Then on the top, right they will see “Project Guardian” – once they click on it will give them an overview of the program. Then at the bottom, it will say “Sign Up for Project Guardian.”
• They can all also visit the HCSO webpage and at the bottom under “General Information and Services.”

We are very excited to be able to launch this. We are currently working on a social media video as well.

• Project Guardian Brochure
• Project Guardian Flow Chart
• Project Guardian Training Bulletin
• Project Guardian Welcome Letter

Jose R. Gomez, Sergeant
Patrol Bureau
Special Projects
Mental Health Administrative – Training Detail
C. O. R. E.
Project Guardian
Crisis Intervention Response Team

Beginning Friday, May 8, 2020 and every Friday after until further notice, Klein Collins High School at 20811 Ella Boulevard will be a Houston Food Bank distribution location, the scheduled time is from 4:00pm – 8:00pm.

The plan is to have all vehicles enter the location from Ella south bound from FM2920.

There will be officers working the location to assist in moving vehicles through the distribution as quickly as the vehicles are loaded. We anticipate heavy traffic congestion in the area, with participation forming four to five hours ahead of start time.