Carrollton, TX Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Dangerous dog defined by
- Bite history, not breed, § 91.050
- Court hearing deadline
- 10 business days after seizure, § 91.052
- Required liability insurance
- $100,000.00 minimum, § 91.054(A)(1)
- Euthanasia deadline after order
- 24 hours, § 91.053(A)
- Compliance deadline to reclaim dog
- 20 days, § 91.054(B)
Summary
Carrollton has no breed-specific ban; instead it declares a dog "dangerous" by behavior. A dog that has bitten more than once, or caused serious bodily injury once, can be seized by the DCO and faces a Municipal Court hearing that may order euthanasia or release under strict conditions.
For the purpose of this chapter, "dangerous dog" shall mean: (A) Any dog that has attacked or bitten any person more than once; or (B) Any dog that has attacked or bitten one person causing "serious bodily injury" including multiple bite wounds or severe ripping and tearing of muscle that would cause a reasonably prudent person to seek treatment from a medical professional or would require hospitalization, without regard to whether the person actually sought medical attention.
Full Breakdown
050 defines a "dangerous dog" as any dog that has attacked or bitten a person more than once, or that has attacked or bitten one person causing serious bodily injury, defined to include multiple bite wounds or severe ripping and tearing of muscle warranting a reasonably prudent person to seek medical treatment or hospitalization, regardless of whether the person actually did. 051, the DCO may seize such a dog based on a sworn complaint or its own probable cause, holding it in secure humane conditions pending a Municipal Court hearing.
052(E) bars an euthanasia order where the dog was protecting person or property inside its own enclosure, the injured person was trespassing and at least 10 years old, and the dog was not otherwise violating the chapter. 053 requires euthanasia within 24 hours of a court order, performed by a licensed veterinarian or trained Animal Services Officer. 00 in liability insurance, register the dog annually as dangerous, provide a DCO-approved secure enclosure, and post signs at least two inches tall reading "DANGEROUS ANIMAL ON-PREMISES" at both front and rear entrances.
Violations & Fines
The owner has 20 days to prove compliance with the insurance, registration, enclosure and signage conditions before the dog is euthanized under Section 91.054(B); violating any provision of the dangerous-dog subchapter is itself an offense under Section 91.054(C), prosecuted as a Chapter 91 misdemeanor with fines up to $2,000.00 per day under Section 10.99(A)(2)(e).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carrollton ban specific dog breeds like pit bulls?
What happens after Carrollton seizes a dog declared dangerous?
What must an owner do to get a dangerous dog released in Carrollton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carrollton
How Carrollton compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Carrollton to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle breed restrictions.