Texas City, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Chapter 95 of the Texas City Code of Ordinances regulates livestock in §§ 95.070 through 95.074. Section 95.070 defines livestock as any grazing animal, including but not limited to cattle, horses, mules, asses, burros, sheep and goats. Chickens and other fowl are not named in that definition, and the chapter contains no separate coop, lot-size or rooster rule, so this page covers the livestock rules only.

Registration is annual. Under § 95.071 the owner or possessor of any livestock situated within the city limits must complete an application and obtain an owner's registration from the Police Department, which keeps a copy on file. The cost is $10, regardless of amount of livestock, and every registration expires automatically on August 31 of each year. Section 95.072 requires the registration number to be clearly posted at all exterior gates to the premises where the livestock is housed or kept. Failing to post proof is an offense, and posting fraudulent registration information, in whole or in part, is a separate offense.

Section 95.073 requires fencing adequate to prevent the animals from exiting the confines where they are housed or kept, and makes it unlawful to allow livestock to run at large. Run at large means the animal is not under actual physical restraint by means of a pen, fence or other structure or any type of lead. No culpable mental state is required for the offense. The affirmative defense applies where the livestock ran at large due to the act of a third person, other than the owner or occupant of the premises, or due to some factor not reasonably foreseeable by the owner. Loose livestock is subject to impoundment by Galveston County designated by the city, and under § 95.074 the Police will contact the county regarding loose livestock.