Wichita Falls, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, from ASC, annual
- Setback from neighbor's home
- 200 feet minimum
- Space per head
- 600 sq ft, fenced
- Large-acreage exemption
- 25+ acre production areas
- Governing section
- City Code § 14-198
Summary
Wichita Falls requires an Animal Services permit to keep any livestock in city limits, plus a 200-foot setback from neighboring homes.
No livestock shall be kept or maintained at a distance closer than 200 feet from any residence located on property owned by another person. All such livestock shall be maintained on a properly fenced parcel of land, providing a minimum of 600 square feet of area for each head of livestock.
Full Breakdown
Under Code of Ordinances § 14-198, anyone keeping livestock in Wichita Falls, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, or similar farm animals, must first get an annual permit from Animal Services (ASC), with the fee set by the health district and approved by city council. Livestock can't be kept closer than 200 feet to a neighbor's residence, and the property must provide at least 600 square feet of fenced area per head, plus shelter and shade. Owners must also control odor, flies, and rodents, and keep a weekly-emptied, vermin-proof manure container. Parcels over 25 acres used to raise livestock qualify as a livestock production area and are exempt from the setback, space, odor/pest, and manure-container rules under § 14-199.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock without a permit, violating the 200-ft setback, or letting livestock run at-large voids the permit; more than one at-large citation in a permit year is grounds for revocation, with 10 days to remove animals before impoundment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse or cow in my Wichita Falls backyard?
What happens if my livestock gets loose more than once?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita Falls
How Wichita Falls compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Wichita Falls to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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