Texas-Book-Gun Law Armed And Educated - Flipbook - Page 448
The exception for animal control officers may be slightly
misleading. First, it is important to point out that this only provides
an exception for licensed animal control officers. Second, and more
importantly, the exception is also only for the use of a club that is
specific to the catching of an animal, such as a “catcher’s pole”
or snare. Animal control officers who attempt to use a mace, for
instance, are unlikely to avail themselves of this exception.
Code enforcement officers
EXCEPTION FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
TEX. PENAL CODE § 46.15(h)
Sections 46.02 and 46.03 prohibiting the possession or carrying
of a club do not apply to a code enforcement officer who:
(1) holds a certificate of registration issued under Chapter
1952, Occupations Code; and
(2) possesses or carries an instrument used specifically for
deterring an animal bite while the officer is:
(A) performing official duties; or
(B) traveling to or from a place of duty.
Code enforcement officers who are employed under Chapter 1952
of the Occupations Code are protected as well.
Note on First Responders
In 2021, the Texas Legislature amended Texas Penal Code
Section 46.15 to include First Responders to the list of
individuals who Section 46.03 does not apply to. Interestingly,
the new language is specific to First Responders carrying
a handgun only; it does not create an exception to First
Responders carrying a club or location-restricted knife.
See Chapter 14 for full discussion of First Responders.
Beyond Firearms: Knives, Clubs, And Tasers | 437
