The commission, certain residents, and courts have specific powers to enforce animal-treatment requirements through injunction, mandamus, relief, contempt, and costs.
Sec. 167.106. INJUNCTION; MANDAMUS. (a) The commission or a resident of this state may sue for an injunction to compel compliance with a provision of this chapter or to restrain a threatened violation of a provision of this chapter. (b) A resident of this state may sue for mandamus against a commissioners court to compel the compliance of that court with the duty of the commissioners court under this chapter. (c) The commission or a resident of a county or part of a county in which tick eradication is being conducted may sue for permanent or temporary relief to compel a person who is an owner, part owner, or caretaker of animals to treat the animals in accordance with this chapter if the person has failed or refused to treat the animals or has threatened to fail or refuse to treat the animals. If the court finds that the defendant has been served with an order of the commission to treat the animals, that the animals are subject to treatment, and that the material allegations of the plaintiff's petition are true, the court shall enter an order commanding the defendant to treat the animals in accordance with the directions of the commission at the time and place designated in the order of the commission or in the order of the court. If the defendant fails to comply with the order of the court, the court may hold the defendant in contempt and punish the defendant accordingly and shall order a peace officer to deputize assistants and treat the animals in accordance with the order of the court. The expense of treating the animals and employing the peace officer and assistants shall be taxed against the defendant as a cost of suit. (d) A court may hear and determine a suit under this section in term or in vacation. Notice of the suit shall be given to the defendant as the court determines justice requires. Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1448, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981. Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 324 (H.B. 1807), Sec. 27, eff. September 1, 2013. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 773 (S.B. 1095), Sec. 27, eff. September 1, 2013.