Dangerous Dog Defense Attorneys in Dallas

For many people, dogs aren’t just pets—they’re members of the family. And just as we’d stand by a family member who’d made a serious mistake, we’d stand by a beloved pet who reacted aggressively out of fear or agitation. When you’re facing dangerous dog charges, you could be required to euthanize your dog. These cases often start with a bite, an injury, or a frightened neighbor’s complaint. Once animal control gets involved, things move quickly—and not always fairly.

Under Texas law, a dog can be declared dangerous if it causes bodily injury to a person or behaves in a way that leads someone to reasonably fear an attack. Once labeled “dangerous,” your dog may be seized, and you could be ordered to meet strict legal requirements—or face criminal penalties if you fail to comply.

The dangerous dog defense attorneys at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer understand how stressful and emotional these cases can be. We’re here to help. Our attorneys fight to protect your rights as a pet owner. Whether you’re facing a hearing, contesting a designation, or appealing an order, we have the experience to guide you through each step of the process.

Call 214-949-4117 today to speak with an experienced dangerous dog defense attorney in Dallas.

Why You Need a Dangerous Dog Defense Attorney in Dallas

Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.041, a “dangerous dog” is one that causes bodily injury to a person without provocation or commits unprovoked acts that lead someone to reasonably believe the dog will attack. This designation can be made administratively by animal control or through a court proceeding.

Once a dog is labeled dangerous, owners face strict legal obligations. These include mandatory registration with local authorities and high-liability insurance coverage. You also must comply with specific rules for your dog, including installing secure enclosures and visible warning signs. If your dog bites or kills someone, you can be charged with a third- or second-degree felony under “Lillian’s Law.”

A conviction can also impact your ability to own pets in the future, damage your housing prospects, and leave you with a criminal record. In many cases, Animal Control or law enforcement may seize your dog before your case is even resolved—often with little notice or opportunity to respond.

You must act quickly to protect yourself and your dog. An experienced dangerous dog defense attorney from My Dallas Criminal Lawyer can step in early to challenge the designation, represent you at administrative or court hearings, and push back against efforts to impound or euthanize your dog.

In some cases, early legal intervention can prevent criminal charges. In others, our attorneys may be able to negotiate alternatives, such as safety plans or compliance agreements, that allow you to keep your dog while satisfying public safety concerns.

Why Choose My Dallas Criminal Lawyer to Handle My Case?

When you’re facing a dangerous dog allegation, you need a legal team that understands the specific laws, procedures, and risks involved in these cases. My Dallas Criminal Lawyer brings a strategic, informed approach to every case we handle. With decades of combined legal experience, we know how to challenge questionable designations, cross-examine witnesses, and expose procedural flaws that may weaken the case against you. Our attorneys move quickly to file motions that can suppress inadmissible evidence or block an unjust seizure.

We understand how Dallas Animal Services investigates complaints and what local judges expect in dangerous dog hearings. In past cases, we’ve been able to resolve allegations before they result in a formal “dangerous” designation or a court order for euthanasia.

Most importantly, My Dallas Criminal Lawyer treats every client with the urgency and respect they deserve. We know how upsetting a dangerous dog accusation can be. That’s why we give you a straightforward breakdown of your legal options—such as an appeal, exploring a compliance plan, or fighting for dismissal.

If your dog has been seized or you’ve received notice of a hearing, you can reach us at 214-949-4117 anytime for immediate legal help. We’re here to protect your rights—and your dog’s life.

Types of Dangerous Dog Cases We Handle

Our firm can help with the following types of dangerous dog cases:

Bite Incidents Involving Bodily Injury

You can face charges if your dog allegedly caused bodily injury. These cases often happen after a single bite, even if the injury was minor. Our attorneys analyze medical records, witness accounts, and any available video footage. We also examine whether the dog acted in response to provocation or while protecting its owner or territory. These details can significantly influence the outcome of the investigation.

Non-Bite Threat or Attack Cases

Not all dangerous dog cases involve an actual bite. A dog may be declared dangerous if it caused someone to reasonably fear injury. These cases are highly subjective and hinge on the alleged victim’s perception. We review the behavior of the alleged victim and any patterns of provocation or trespass. Once we have the full story, we can challenge whether their fear was reasonable.

Repeat Offense or Non-Compliance Allegations

Once a dog has been officially declared dangerous, owners must comply with strict requirements. These include secure enclosures, posted warnings, insurance coverage, and proper registration. If you’re accused of violating any of these terms—whether due to a fence malfunction or missing signage—you could face criminal penalties. We represent clients in defending against such allegations and work to demonstrate compliance or correct misunderstandings before they escalate.

Appeals of Dangerous Dog Declarations

If your dog has been declared dangerous, you have a limited window to appeal the decision. Our firm will work quickly to request a hearing to protect your dog’s life—and your rights.

Cases Involving Children or the Elderly

Cases involving children or elderly individuals may draw heightened attention from prosecutors and animal control officers. These situations require sensitive, strategic legal responses. We aim to counter emotional responses with factual, well-documented defenses.

Seizure and Destruction Orders

My Dallas Criminal Lawyer acts quickly to challenge destruction orders, often filing emergency motions to stay the process. When possible, we advocate for alternatives such as behavior rehabilitation, secure rehoming, or strict containment agreements.

If you’re not sure whether we represent your type of dangerous dog case, contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable dangerous dog defense attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Attack Defense

What happens after someone reports my dog as dangerous?

When a dangerous dog report is filed, Dallas Animal Services typically begins an investigation right away. They may interview witnesses, visit your property, and review medical or photographic evidence. You may receive formal notice of a hearing to determine whether your dog should be officially declared dangerous. In some cases, authorities can seize your dog during the investigation, especially if they believe there’s an immediate risk to public safety. 

Can I prevent my dog from being euthanized?

Early legal intervention can help avoid extreme outcomes. Judges may be open to alternatives, such as conditional return, behavioral assessments, secure containment plans, or structured rehabilitation.

Is a hearing required before my dog is declared dangerous?

Yes. Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.0421, you are entitled to notice and a hearing before a dangerous dog designation is made. This hearing is your chance to present evidence, call witnesses, and challenge the basis of the complaint. 

Can I appeal a dangerous dog ruling?

Yes. Texas law allows you to appeal a dangerous dog declaration within 10 days of the ruling, as outlined in § 822.0424. This is a tight deadline, so you must act quickly.

What if my dog bit someone who trespassed or provoked the attack?

Texas law recognizes provocation and trespassing as valid defenses in dangerous dog cases. If someone was trespassing on your property or antagonizing your dog, that context matters. We gather all available evidence to show that your dog was reacting in a lawful or instinctive way and should not be punished.

Will this go on my permanent record?

A dangerous dog case can potentially affect your criminal record, especially if it leads to criminal charges. It may also impact your ability to rent housing or own pets in the future.

 What should I do immediately after being notified of an investigation?

Contact an attorney at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer immediately. Don’t agree to surrender your dog or admit fault without legal guidance. Keep your dog secured, avoid discussing the case with investigators until you’ve consulted legal counsel, and gather any evidence or witnesses who can testify about your dog’s behavior. Early legal involvement often makes the biggest difference in protecting your rights and your pet.

Protect Your Rights and Your Dog with My Dallas Criminal Lawyer

If you’re facing a dangerous dog accusation in Dallas, don’t wait to get legal help. These cases move fast, and the penalties can be life-changing for both you and your pet. Whether your goal is to keep your dog, avoid criminal charges, or challenge a prior ruling, My Dallas Criminal Lawyer is here to help. Our team has the experience and insight to fight for the best outcome possible.

Call 214-949-4117 today to speak with a dangerous dog defense attorney and let us protect your rights.