It's Not The Dog, It's The Owner

[Here’s the first news from the “Send Us A Scoop” form, looks like it works.]
This just in: A dog running around freely in Vizcaino Park with a leash around his neck is not technically “on leash”. It seems this scenario was the cute response of recent park visitors to the requests of two Sheriff’s Deputies. But alas, as of Valentine's Day, this technicality (that of the leash actually being attached to someone) is now specifically covered in the revised law passed by the Commissioner’s Court. See the written law below.
Say it isn’t so! Even Marfa has a leash law? Then it’s official, the days of dogs and humankind playing together in public are officially over. If there was ever a town where a dog looked perfectly natural “walking himself”, it was Marfa. But until they learn to read, I think we’ll see a few regulars still making the rounds.
Next best response, “Yeah, he’s on a vocal leash.”

STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF PRESIDIO § ORDER
WHEREAS, this Order is adopted in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code §822; and WHEREAS, this Order applies in the unincorporated areas of the County; and BE IT ALSO ORDERED that this Order may be enforced to comply with Health and Safety Code, §822.042, which mandates that a dog who bites someone is considered a dangerous dog; and BE IT ALSO ORDERED that pursuant to §822.041, an Owner means a person who owns or has custody or control of the dog; and BE IT ALSO ORDERED that custody or control in a public county area such as Vizcaino Park means the dog must be on a leash in the immediatecontrol of the owner (the leash must be attached in some manner to the owner) so as to insure that the dog is not allowed to run loose; and BE IT ALSO ORDERED that violation of this order is a Class C misdemeanor. ORDERED AND ENTERED ON RECORD on this, 14th day of February, 2005, at the Regular Meeting of the Presidio County Commissioners Court.
ATTEST: Jerry C. Agan, Presidio County Judge. Brenda M. Silva, Presidio County Clerk. Felipe Cordero, Commissioner, Pct. 1. Eloy Aranda, Commissioner, Pct. 2. Carlos Armendariz, Commissioner, Pct. 3. Danny Watts, Commissioner, Pct. 4