Burleson, TX Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

The City of Burleson declares it a public nuisance to keep a dangerous animal within the city limits unless the owner complies with § 6-13 and with Chapter 822 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. The section as printed names no breed. The trigger is conduct: under § 6-13(c), a person must report to the animal control authority within 24 hours any unprovoked attack on a person or another domestic animal that causes bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death, or any unprovoked act by an animal outside a secure enclosure or safe restraint that makes a person reasonably believe it will attack. No animal is considered dangerous for injuring another animal if both were running at large, or if the injured animal was at large.

The animal control authority investigates, takes sworn statements from victims and witnesses, and gives the owner written notice of a dangerous determination. The owner must deliver the animal to the animal control authority within five days of the notice, or the municipal court judge orders a seizure warrant. The owner can appeal in writing to the Burleson Municipal Court of Record within ten days of the notice. The court sets a hearing within 15 days, rules in writing within ten days after the hearing, and sets an appeal bond sized to the cost of housing the animal. Regardless of outcome, the owner pays the costs of seizing and impounding the animal.

Within ten days of final notice the owner must obtain a registration certificate and tag marked "dangerous animal", microchip the animal, keep it on a leash held by a person over 18 or in a secure enclosure with secure sides and top, muzzle it off the property, carry liability coverage or financial responsibility of at least $100,000.00, and either spay or neuter within 30 days or sell, convey or relocate the animal to a person who can comply. Registration is annual and requires proof of insurance, a current rabies vaccination, a secure enclosure, and the fee set by city council.