Denton County, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Denton County does not regulate the number or type of livestock, poultry, or farm animals on private property in unincorporated areas. Residents may keep chickens (hens and roosters), cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, ducks, turkeys, and other domestic farm animals without county permits or limits. There is no minimum lot size for keeping livestock in unincorporated Denton County. Under Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 143, Denton County is a closed-range county, so all livestock must be contained within adequate fencing. The Denton County Health Department does not regulate livestock beyond rabies vaccination requirements for dogs and cats. Horse operations are particularly prevalent in the Argyle, Bartonville, Lantana, and Ponder areas, with many properties featuring horse barns, arenas, and pastures. HOA-governed subdivisions commonly prohibit livestock and poultry entirely or limit them to properties over a certain acreage, often 2-5 acres. Crowing roosters may be addressed as a nuisance under Texas Penal Code 42.01 (disorderly conduct) if complaints arise, but there is no county ban on roosters.