Mesquite, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Cattle
- Cattle, horses, goats, and pigs restricted to agricultural zoning
- Backyard Hens
- Backyard hens allowed on many lots with setback from neighbors
- Roosters Typically
- Roosters typically prohibited due to noise
- Beekeeping Requires Tais
- Beekeeping requires TAIS registration under TX Agriculture Code Ch. 131
- Slaughtering Animals On
- Slaughtering animals on residential property is prohibited
Summary
Mesquite restricts livestock in residential zones. Backyard chickens are generally limited by lot size and setbacks, and larger livestock such as horses, cattle, goats, and pigs are confined to agricultural zones.
Sec. 142.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) 'Estray' means stray livestock, stray exotic livestock, stray bison, or stray exotic fowl. (2) 'Perilous condition' means a circumstance or condition in which capture and impoundment of an estray presents an immediate threat to law enforcement personnel or to the health of the estray. (4) 'Exotic livestock' means grass-eating or plant-eating, single-hooved or cloven-hooved mammals that are not indigenous to this state and are known as ungulates, including animals from the swine, horse, tapir, rhinoceros, elephant, deer, and antelope families. Sec. 142.002. RIGHTS OF OCCUPANT OTHER THAN OWNER. A person has the rights of an owner of property under this chapter if he is a part owner, a lessee, an occupant, or a caretaker of land or premises.
Full Breakdown
The City of Mesquite regulates livestock under its animal control and zoning ordinances. Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, and similar large livestock are not permitted in standard residential zoning districts and are limited to properties with appropriate agricultural or rural zoning, typically requiring a minimum of one acre or more and generous setbacks from dwellings. Backyard chickens are allowed on many residential lots, but roosters are commonly prohibited due to noise, and hen coops must be set back a specified distance from any neighboring dwelling, typically 25 to 50 feet. Honeybees are allowed subject to Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 registration with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service and reasonable placement that does not create a nuisance. No slaughtering of animals is permitted on residential property. Contact Animal Services and the Planning Division before acquiring livestock to confirm current minimum lot size, setback, and permit requirements for your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in my Mesquite back yard?
Can I keep a goat as a pet in Mesquite?
Do I need a permit for beehives?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mesquite
How Mesquite compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Mesquite to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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