Celina, TX Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis for rule
- Behavior, not breed
- Definition source
- City Code § 2.01.001
- Appeal window
- 10 days to municipal judge
- Max general fine
- $500.00 per offense
- Running at large
- May be destroyed on sight
Summary
Celina's code has no breed-specific ban. It instead declares an animal "vicious" based on behavior, a prior unprovoked bite or a dangerous disposition, and can order it removed from the city or destroyed.
Vicious animal. Any individual animal of any species that has, on one previous occasion, without provocation, attacked or bitten any person or other animal, or any individual animal that the local health authority or supervisor of animal control has reason to believe has a dangerous disposition... Any vicious animal found running at large may be destroyed by any peace officer or animal control officer in the interest of public safety.
Full Breakdown
Under § 2.01.001, a "vicious animal" is defined by conduct, not breed: one that has, without provocation, previously attacked or bitten a person or other animal, or one an animal control officer/health authority has reason to believe has a dangerous disposition. Per § 2.01.011, a vicious animal found running at large may be destroyed by a peace officer or animal control officer. The animal control officer may also order the owner to permanently remove the animal from the city, effective immediately even during an appeal. The owner has 10 days to appeal the removal order in writing to the municipal judge, who may uphold, reverse, or modify it, including allowing the animal to stay under restrictions.
Violations & Fines
Failing to remove a declared vicious animal allows the city to impound or destroy it. Failing to report the animal's disposition/relocation within 10 days of the removal deadline is a separate offense each day it continues; the code's general penalty (§ 1.01.009) caps fines at $500.00 per offense absent a specific penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Celina ban pit bulls or other specific dog breeds?
What happens if my dog is declared vicious in Celina?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Celina
How Celina compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Celina to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Collin County handle breed restrictions.