HOA to enforce cat leash law in dallas tx.?

Question

I recently leased a condo in dallas and after moving in and neighbors seeing my cat the residents began telling me about a cat leash law and my cat would have to stay indoors. I am aware that dallas does have a dog/cat leash law but have you ever lived anywhere that made you walk a cat on a leash? I was not aware of this before my move and i checked the current hoa bylaws for our condos and it states the same thing that all other leases say all pets must be walked on a leash. I asked several residents and was told that 4 yrs. earlier there had been a big debate about the issue and that the board of the hoa made the decision to enforce cat leash law. why did the board decide instead of putting it to the resident vote? can they make me keep my cat inside?

Answer 1

Good for the HOA.
All cats should be kept inside.
There is not reason at all that a cat needs to go outside.
Indoor only cats live on average to be in their teens to early twenties.
Indoor/outdoor cats live on average 5 to 7 years.
Outdoor only cats live on average 2 years...IF they're lucky.

There are just to many dangers to allow a cat to roam around outside...cars, stray cats, dogs and wild animals, poison and then there are those humans who mistreat any animal who wanders into their yard.

Cats can and do learn to walk on a leash...but don't use a collar and a cat can easily slip out of it get a harness instead.

And I would say YES...if you signed the lease and the lease says you're cat has to be on a leash when it's outside then if you let your cat outside without one you'd be in violation of your lease.

Answer 2

As far as I concerned it is a ridiculous law and solves nothing. They cannot force you but you can be fined and they can pick up your cat which could easily be euthanized.
But I am all against letting your cat roam for there are too many dangers and you cannot protect your cat from them. Some of the worst dangers are neighbors that will harm your cat or pick them up and take them to AC.
Cats are content to living indoors if you provide them with the necessities, toys, scratching posts and companionship. So I don't believe there is any good reason to allow them to roam. If you want them to go out then make an enclosure for them so they can enjoy the outdoors and be safe.

Answer 3

For the safety of your cat, your best option is to keep your cat inside. Many people are bothered by cats defecating in their yards and sometimes even the mere presence of them sends people into a hissy fit. I learned my lesson when my neutered, vetted, collared, belled, and tagged cat was out playing one afternoon...mind you this cat came running when he was called...didnt come running. My neighboor baited and trapped him and then proceeded to dump him more than 25 miles from my house. Luckily because he had identification he was found 6 weeks later. He was very thin and traumatized my the whole event..it took him a few months to get back to his normal self. This of course is just the human danger factor...there are many other things your cat can get into outside, especially being in a populated area. My cats had to make the transitition from being able to play outside to being strictly indoors. With lots of playtime and toys (a cat condo is really helpful too) your cat should be fine. Make sure you get a scratching post if you already dont have one, and all should work out well. Not all people love animals, and the ones that dont can really be cruel.

Answer 4

everywhere should have a maditory leash law for all pets. and it should be strictly enforced. I was driving to the store last night and this kitty darted out infront of my car and I almost hit it. why can't people keep their pets inside where they are safe? I would have died if I had hit the poor kitty and it would have been totally preventable if the owner would have had the kitty inside anyways it was too cold for the poor thing (20 degrees is way too cold for animals to be outside for any length of time).

I have leash trained my 2 cats they are indoor cats and in the summer time if it is nice out we take the cats out to the park on leashes, they really enjoy it.

Answer 5

From what I have read. Yes they can make you keep your cat inside, make you put your cat on a runner while outside in your yard or a leash on your cat while walking about.
These laws are based on people not liking other peoples cats pooing in their gardens/yards, chasing birds away from their bird feeders and so on...
Hope this helps.

Answer 6

cat laws are stuped if they do have them they shold have a cat park they would know the ansser if it was a voting thing it would be no