TX HB3777

Requires dog owners whose dog is taken into custody by animal control for the first time to provide evidence within 30 days that the dog has been microchipped and vaccinated with a core vaccine (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus)

Mandates that owners whose dog is taken into custody a second time must have the dog sterilized and provide a veterinarian-signed confirmation letter within 60 days

Establishes civil penalties of $250 for first-time violations and $750 for second-time violations, enforceable by the attorney general or district/county attorney

Exempts dogs younger than four months, service animals under the ADA, purebred show dogs, dogs with veterinarian-certified health reasons against procedures, and dogs owned by licensed breeders (though breeders become subject to sterilization requirements after a third custody incident)

Caps microchipping fees at $50 and requires animal control authorities to locate owners, provide written notice of requirements and penalties, and deliver dogs to a releasing agency