§ 92.001.Definitions

Five definitions, and the livestock division is the one that governs the chapter's reach.

"Livestock animal" means an equine animal or an animal raised primarily for use as food for human consumption or to produce fiber, including horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and poultry.

"Nonlivestock animal" means a service animal or an animal maintained as a pet in the home or on the property of the animal's owner, including captured wildlife or an exotic animal maintained as a pet. It does not include a livestock animal.

The chapter protects only those who help nonlivestock animals. Someone who rescues an injured cow is outside it — that is a farm animal with an owner and a commercial value, and the farm animal chapter governs the relationship.

"Running at large" means not under the control of the owner or handler while on the premises of another without consent or on a highway, public road or street, or any other place open to the public generally.

"Animal control agency" covers a municipal or county animal control office or a state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency that collects, impounds, or keeps stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted animals.

"Service animal" takes its meaning from the Americans with Disabilities Act.