Fort Worth HOA Bans Certain Breeds of Dogs

[Gelcoater]

It wouldn't really be overriding the law because there isn't a law that says all breeds are allowed, there's just not a law that bans breeds.

I'm pretty sure the HOA can make up whatever rules they want provided they don't violate laws/constitution. If enough of the home owners complain then I assume they could force the HOA to change their rules. Maybe if the houses in the HOA were in high demand, maybe the HOA wouldn't care if people moved out because of their rules.

"State law prohibits Texas cities and counties from banning any breed of dogs."

 

[Drogon]

tate law prohibits Texas cities and counties from banning any breed of dogs

You're right I misread that but it does only apply to cities and counties (governments). Just like our constitution forbids governments from passing a law restricting free speech, businesses are free to pass their own rules and regulations. Most businesses are free to 'refuse service' for many reasons, provided those reasons aren't protected (ex based on race). There is no law that prevents the HOA from restricting based on breed, so it wouldn't be overriding a law.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Reminds me of when the MN town in which I lived passed a concealed carry law (allowing it). Many businesses, and I want to say even government offices of varying types posted signs on their front windows banning firearms within those buildings.

 

[WYOgirl]

Ug. That's rotten.

We are unfortunately in a HOA. It's nice in that we have a well kept pool. Ours is fairly lax...the HOA officially states no changes to landscaping without an application for approval by the board. Nobody follows that unless they are making large/permanent changes like putting in a pergola or adding a deck structure or something. We are also supposed to have four animals or less, but I know people who don't follow that either. Basically here everyone lets everyone do what they want as long as it's not intrusive or obstructive. We can't have chickens either. I have seriously contemplated testing those waters. I'm pretty sure none of the neighbors I know in my direct vicinity would mind...but the HOA president is just a few houses down and I'm not sure what he would say/do. Though the sound of chickens roosting would be MUCH less annoying than the neighbor's schnauzer who yips at all hours of the night and escapes their yard running the streets constantly.

Since we are military and move often, we "give in" to a lot of our "wish list" when we move because it's only temporary. We try to hit as many of our wants as we can, and just figure we will hit the others next time around. I can't imagine what I will be like when we are looking for our retirement home/property. We will have lived in enough houses to know exactly what we want and knowing we won't be moving again will make me super picky I think! (We WILL be allowed to have chickens in our retirement home...that's a non-negotiable for me! lol) And we will be allowed to have whatever breed of dog we choose to have as well. Those will be top-of-the-list deal breakers for our permanent place of residence!

 

[DD4MSpock]

Sorry to bump this older thread, but better that than starting a new repetitive one.

I was just curious as to whether or not anyone who had taken on their HOA in re: banning dog breeds had been "successful." I scowered my community's regs but I don't find any specific language banning any particular breed. They do, however, have language that requires that any pet be leashed when outside and provide for sanctions if that's not happening or if some other person/pet is injured as a result. They also remind us of the county laws, enforced by county animal control.

That said, I don't see anyone in the general neighborhood with a "dangerous" dog (i.e. breeds considered "dangerous" by traditional standards). And that's what makes me scared. I don't know if that's by choice or by "unwritten" HOA mandate. Maybe it might help if I spend a little time observing the dog walking area to see what goes by. And, it still doesn't resolve the problem of the Insurance co. jacking up my Homeowner's rates for having a doberman (which they also consider a "dangerous" breed).

 

[Atingles10]

Sorry to bump this older thread, but better that than starting a new repetitive one.

I was just curious as to whether or not anyone who had taken on their HOA in re: banning dog breeds had been "successful." I scowered my community's regs but I don't find any specific language banning any particular breed. They do, however, have language that requires that any pet be leashed when outside and provide for sanctions if that's not happening or if some other person/pet is injured as a result. They also remind us of the county laws, enforced by county animal control.

That said, I don't see anyone in the general neighborhood with a "dangerous" dog (i.e. breeds considered "dangerous" by traditional standards). And that's what makes me scared. I don't know if that's by choice or by "unwritten" HOA mandate. Maybe it might help if I spend a little time observing the dog walking area to see what goes by. And, it still doesn't resolve the problem of the Insurance co. jacking up my Homeowner's rates for having a doberman (which they also consider a "dangerous" breed).

Reference the homeowner insurance piece I would look into different companies. I am in Maine and found a larger "well known" company for house insurance that does not restrict dobermans or charge more.

I was surprised to find they do have a "dangerous" list but dobermans weren't on there thankfully!

 

[strykerdobe]

State Farm does not have a Dangerous Dog List. They go by bite history.

 

[DD4MSpock]

Reference the homeowner insurance piece I would look into different companies. I am in Maine and found a larger "well known" company for house insurance that does not restrict dobermans or charge more.

I was surprised to find they do have a "dangerous" list but dobermans weren't on there thankfully!

Just out of curiosity, do you recall which breeds were on the list?

 

[Atingles10]

Just out of curiosity, do you recall which breeds were on the list?

I actually tried looking it up yesterday after I posted this because I wanted to be able to list them too but it's not available on their website.

Best of my recollection there was pitfalls, cows, Akita, Rottweiler, shepards....i need to get a copy now though because I want to know the rest too! Lol

 

[DD4MSpock]

I actually tried looking it up yesterday after I posted this because I wanted to be able to list them too but it's not available on their website.

Best of my recollection there was pitbulls, chows, Akita, Rottweiler, shepards....i need to get a copy now though because I want to know the rest too! Lol

FIFY?

I'm amazed Dobies aren't on the list, given the other breeds that are. GSDs? Seriously?

 

[Atingles10]

FIFY?

I'm amazed Dobies aren't on the list, given the other breeds that are. GSDs? Seriously?

Look at all the fun restricted breeds my phone came up with while I was responding and multitasking I think homeowners insurance should definitely cover cows too!

On a serious note I was very surprised too to find out they had a restricted list but dobermans weren't on it. I even asked a second time to make sure I heard right and then had them email me the list lol

 

[DD4MSpock]

Reference the homeowner insurance piece I would look into different companies. I am in Maine and found a larger "well known" company for house insurance that does not restrict dobermans or charge more.

I was surprised to find they do have a "dangerous" list but dobermans weren't on there thankfully!

As it turns out, I was inquiring with my insurance agent on a separate matter and I brought up the question. My current insurance company does, indeed, prohibit dobermans. So if I want a dobie, I'll have to go with a different insurance co.

 

[DD4MSpock]

And, as an update to the above, my insurance agent is telling me than none of the carriers he has available will offer homeowner insurance for a doberman. Anyone here have any recommendations for a new homeowner insurance co. that's "dobie friendly?"