• Pet Registration:  Each dog and cat must be registered with the City of Mesquite Animal Control Division.  Documentation of a current rabies vaccination is required at the time of application.

• Rabies Vaccination:  Each dog and cat must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian by the age of 3 months and must be revaccinated annually.

• Number of Animals:  Residents are limited to three (3) dogs and three (3) cats per household.  In addition, one (1) litter may be kept to a maximum age of six (6) months.

• Animal Confinement:  All animals must be confined to the owner's property by fence or chain.  Leash laws exist for both dogs and cats.  Animals found running at large will be impounded by the Animal Control Division.

• Animal Nuisances:  It is unlawful to keep an animal in the city in such a manner that it creates a nuisance by reason of excessive noise (barking), odors, flies, disease, or unsightly appearance.

• Exotic, Wild and/or Dangerous Animals:   Exotic, wild and/or dangerous animals are prohibited in the city limits of Mesquite.  Examples include, but are not limited to:  raccoons, bears, monkeys, lions, tigers, bobcats, skunks, wolves, wolf hybrids, coyotes, bats, etc.

• Cruelty:  Cruel treatment, animal abuse or neglecting to provide adequate shelter and nutrition is unlawful.  Animal abandonment is also an act of cruelty and is punishable by law.  Please report suspected cruel treatment to the Animal Control Division.

• Animal Bites:  All animal bites must be reported to the Animal Control Division.  Dogs, cats and high risk animals inflicting bites which break the skin, regardless of vaccination status, must be quarantined for ten (10) days to demonstrate that rabies was not transmitted at the time of the bite.

Follow the following procedures if you are bitten by an animal:

1. Wash the wound with soap and water.
2. Contact a physician.
3. Notify the Animal Control Division at (972) 216-6283 with the following information:
   
   • Name and address of the owner of the animal
   • Description of the animal
   • Address where the animal  may be found