Mansfield Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions Rules (2026)

Mansfield follows Texas state law, which does not allow cities to adopt breed-specific restrictions. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, commonly known as Lillian's Law, establishes a behavior-based framework: a dog is declared dangerous only after a reported incident triggers an investigation and a due-process hearing, regardless of breed or mix. The dangerous-dog determination applies when a dog makes an unprovoked attack causing bodily injury or when it commits unprovoked acts in a place other than the owner secure enclosure that cause a reasonable person to fear attack. Once a dog is declared dangerous, Mansfield Animal Care and Control enforces chapter 822 requirements: registration with the municipal animal control authority, a secure enclosure meeting state specifications, restraint by leash and muzzle any time the dog is outside the enclosure, posted warning signs, liability insurance of at least 100,000 dollars or an equivalent surety bond, and owner notification to Animal Services when the dog is sold, moved, or dies. A second tier under chapter 822.005 criminalizes owner conduct when an unprovoked dog injures or kills a person and the owner acted with criminal negligence, carrying third or second degree felony penalties. Mansfield does not maintain a breed-specific ban. HOA covenants in some Mansfield subdivisions can and do restrict specific breeds and are enforceable as private contract law.