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Tarrant County, TX Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Breed Ban
Preempted by state law
Framework
TX H&S Code Ch. 822
Hearing Body
Justice of the Peace
Lillians Law
H&S Code 822.005

Summary

Tarrant County has no breed-specific ordinance. TX H&S Code 822 and Lillians Law govern dangerous dogs by behavior, not breed. Texas law preempts counties and cities from banning specific breeds.

City-specific rules exist: Grapevine, Haltom City, North Richland Hills, Keller, and Fort Worth have their own breed restrictions rules that differ from Tarrant County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Sec. 822.047. LOCAL REGULATION OF DANGEROUS DOGS. A county or municipality may place additional requirements or restrictions on dangerous dogs if the requirements or restrictions: (1) are not specific to one breed or several breeds of dogs; and (2) are more stringent than restrictions provided by this subchapter.

Source: TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 822View official code

Full Breakdown

Tarrant County does not restrict ownership of pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, or any other breed in unincorporated areas. Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 822 sets a statewide framework for dangerous and aggressive dogs based on individual animal behavior, not breed. Under Texas Local Government Code 822.047, counties and municipalities are expressly preempted from enacting breed-specific legislation. Dangerous dog designations follow sworn complaint and hearing procedures before a justice of the peace, with owners required to carry liability insurance, registration, muzzling, and secure enclosures once a dog is declared dangerous. Lillians Law criminal penalties in Health & Safety Code 822.005 escalate to felony charges when a dog attacks causing serious bodily injury or death.

Violations & Fines

Dangerous dog classification failures under H&S Code 822: Class C to Class A misdemeanor penalties and seizure. Lillians Law attacks: felony (second degree up to life for death).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Tarrant County ban pit bulls?
No. Texas law preempts breed-specific bans. Only individual dogs can be declared dangerous through a statutory hearing process.
What is Lillians Law?
Health & Safety Code 822.005 makes it a felony when a dog the owner knew was dangerous causes serious bodily injury or death through an unprovoked attack.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tarrant County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingFew RestrictionsChickens & LivestockFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsFew RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesLight RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSome Restrictions

All Tarrant County rules

How Tarrant County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tarrant County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview

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Breed Restrictions in Cities Across Tarrant County

Fort Worth, TXArlington, TXMansfield, TXNorth Richland Hills, TXEuless, TXGrapevine, TXKeller, TXHaltom City, TX