Ouachita Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Regulated species
- Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, donkeys, mules
- Fowl excluded
- § 3-30(b)
- Tethering fine
- Up to $200/animal (§ 3-13)
- At-large fine
- Up to $25/animal, 10 days jail (§ 3-19)
- Impoundment fee
- $100 + $5/day (§ 3-15)
Summary
Ouachita Parish regulates horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, donkeys and mules, not chickens or other fowl, which Section 3-30(b) expressly excludes from the range rider's roundup duty. Section 3-12 bars tethering livestock outside a fence unless closely attended, and Section 3-18 makes it unlawful for these animals to run, roam or be at large anywhere but the owner's own land.
It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, picket or otherwise tie livestock outside of a fence or enclosure, whether for grazing or other purposes, unless such livestock is closely attended by a responsible person of sufficient age to prevent such livestock from becoming loose and roaming unconfined.
Full Breakdown
The parish's livestock rules sit in Chapter 3, Article II. Section 3-12 makes it unlawful for any person to tether, picket or otherwise tie livestock outside of a fence or enclosure, whether for grazing or other purposes, unless such livestock is closely attended by a responsible person of sufficient age to prevent it from becoming loose and roaming unconfined, backed by a $200-per-offense penalty under Section 3-13, with each tethered animal a separate offense under Section 3-14. Ouachita Parish Animal Control may impound an unsecured tethered animal under Section 3-15, charging a $100 impoundment fee plus $5 per day of boarding.
Separately, Division 2's Section 3-18 prohibits horses, mules, cattle, hogs, sheep or goats from running, roaming or being at large on public highways, commons, or any land besides the owner's; Section 3-19 fines the owner up to $25 per animal or up to ten days in jail, or both, for each animal at large. ' No corresponding provision in this code regulates keeping backyard chickens or other poultry.
Violations & Fines
Tethering livestock outside a fence or enclosure without close attendance draws a fine of up to $200 per animal under Section 3-13, with each animal a separate offense. Letting horses, mules, cattle, hogs, sheep or goats run at large draws a misdemeanor fine of up to $25 per animal, up to ten days in jail, or both, under Section 3-19, and impounded stock can be sold at public auction if the owner does not redeem it and pay costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in unincorporated Ouachita Parish?
Can I tether my horse or goat outside a fence?
What happens if my livestock gets loose on a public road?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ouachita Parish
How Ouachita Parish compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Ouachita Parish to another location·View the Louisiana animal ordinances overview
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