Dallas County, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- County Restrictions
- None
- Health Regulation
- TX Animal Health Commission
- Environmental
- TCEQ for CAFOs
- Commercial
- DUAS licensing for outdoor businesses
Summary
No county livestock restrictions. Texas counties cannot zone or restrict agricultural activity. TX Agriculture Code and TX Animal Health Commission govern livestock health, disease, and movement. HOA/deed restrictions may prohibit livestock.
Sec. 142.003. DISCOVERY OF ESTRAY; NOTICE. (a) If an estray, without being herded with other livestock, roams about the property of a person without that person's permission or roams about public property, the owner of the private property or the custodian of the public property, as applicable, shall, as soon as reasonably possible, report the presence of the estray to the sheriff of the county in which the estray is discovered. (b) After receiving a report under Subsection (a) of this section that an estray has been discovered on private property, the sheriff or the sheriff's designee shall notify the owner, if known, that the estray's location has been reported.
Full Breakdown
Livestock keeping in unincorporated Dallas County is unregulated at the county level. Texas counties lack zoning authority and cannot restrict agricultural uses including cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and swine on private property. The Texas Agriculture Code governs livestock health, brand registration, and disease reporting. The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) regulates livestock movement, disease testing, and quarantine. TCEQ regulations apply to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) that may affect water quality. Dallas County DUAS oversees outdoor business licensing for commercial operations like hog pens and slaughterhouses but does not restrict personal livestock keeping. HOA covenants may prohibit livestock in planned subdivisions.
Violations & Fines
No county livestock violations. TAHC for disease violations. TCEQ for CAFO water quality violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I raise cattle in unincorporated Dallas County?
What happens if my livestock gets loose on a road?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas County
How Dallas County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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