Galveston County, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- County acreage limit
- None; unincorporated area unzoned
- Highway roaming
- Prohibited (Ag 143.102)
- Stock law
- Adoptable by county election
- Estray impound
- Ag Code Ch. 142
- Right-to-farm
- Ag Code Ch. 251 protection
Summary
The county cannot zone livestock in the unincorporated area, but state law bars letting animals roam a highway right-of-way and lets voters adopt a stock law. Right-to-farm protects established agricultural operations from nuisance suits.
A person who owns or has responsibility for the control of a horse, mule, donkey, cow, bull, steer, hog, sheep, or goat may not knowingly permit the animal to traverse or roam at large, unattended, on the right-of-way of a highway.
Full Breakdown
Texas counties have no zoning power, so unincorporated Galveston County sets no acreage or head-count limit on horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, or goats. State law still applies: Agriculture Code 143.102 makes it unlawful to knowingly let listed livestock roam at large on a highway right-of-way, and a voter-adopted stock law (Ch. 143) can bar a named class from running at large countywide. Loose livestock can be impounded as estrays under Chapter 142. Established agricultural operations are shielded from most nuisance claims by the right-to-farm law (Ag Code Ch. 251). Inside cities, the municipal code controls whether livestock may be kept at all.
Violations & Fines
Letting livestock roam a highway right-of-way is a misdemeanor, and the sheriff may impound the animal as an estray; owners pay handling and boarding costs (Ag Code 143.102, Ch. 142).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I raise cattle or goats outside city limits?
What happens if my cow gets loose on a road?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Galveston County
How Galveston County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Galveston County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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