Texas City, TX Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 95 of the Texas City Code of Ordinances, adopted by the City Commission, handles aggressive dogs through § 95.029, titled Dangerous and Vicious Animals. The code never uses the word breed and names no breed in that section, so the test is conduct. An animal that inflicts severe injury or death to a person, bites a person on public or private property, kills a domestic animal without provocation while off the owner's property, or chases or approaches a person in a menacing fashion is automatically declared vicious. The fourth category, an animal with a known propensity to attack unprovoked, is different: the city's Environmental Crimes Officer, or a designee, must find and declare it vicious.

The Environmental Crimes Officer notifies the owner of the designation and of the owner requirements. The owner can contest it, but the request for a determination hearing must be in writing and must reach the Officer within ten calendar days of the declaration. Miss that window and the declaration becomes final. The code lists six defenses, including teasing, tormenting, abusing or assaulting the animal, the person committing or attempting a crime, an animal protecting a person from an unjustified attack, an animal injured and responding to pain, and an animal protecting her puppies, itself or its kennel mates.

After a declaration the owner must register the animal within ten calendar days and must report within 24 hours if the animal is loose, stolen, unconfined, has attacked, or has died. Giving away, selling or relocating a vicious animal needs the Officer's approval, and the new owner signs a sworn statement agreeing to the same rules. The full owner requirements are in § 95.029(H). An officer can kill a vicious animal found at large after the owner had notice, and the Officer can revoke the city collar or tag after a hearing.