05:00 PM CST on Tuesday, March 15, 2005

By Michael Mendoza / KVUE News

Dogs no longer have free range out in the county.

A new restraint law will allow animal control to pick up loose dogs.

Travis County commissioners unanimously passed a new dog restraint law on Tuesday.

They spent three months drafting the new law after 8-year-old Arian Ritchie was mauled by a pack of dogs in front her home.

Dog owners can get fined up to $500 if their pets are out of their yard or property.

If their dog is impounded, owners would have to pay a $40 impound fee plus a $50 deposit if the dog can have puppies.

The City of Austin already has a leash law. All dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times or behind a secure enclosure. Fines run up to $500.