Killeen, TX Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Killeen Code Sec. 6-39
- Minimum tether length
- 10 feet, swivels each end
- Max tether mount height
- 7 feet above ground
- Chain collars
- Excluded from tether use
- 2nd-offense minimum fine
- $200
- 3rd+ offense minimum fine
- $500
- Enhanced penalty trigger
- Aggravated at-large attack or bite
Summary
Killeen bars owners from letting any animal run at large and defines exactly what counts as restraint: a secure enclosure, a compliant tether, in-vehicle confinement, or physical control on a leash. Fines start at $200 for a repeat offense and rise to $500, under Code of Ordinances Sec. 6-39.
(a) The owner of an animal may not permit the animal to run at large. All animals shall be kept under restraint. Each time an animal runs at large in violation of this section constitutes a separate offense. (b) For the purposes of this chapter, restraint shall mean that the animal is:...(2) Restrained by a tether. No animal may be restrained by a tether or leash unless the animal is in the immediate possession of and accompanied by a person responsible for the care of the animal, capable of controlling the animal, is outside with the animal, and is in visual contact of the animal at all times; and The tether is at least ten (10) feet long, swivels at each end, is attached to a pulley or trolley mounted cable that is mounted no more than seven (7) feet above ground level, is attached to a properly fitted nylon, canvas, or leather collar or harness, excludes chain collars...(f) Upon conviction of any subsequent offense under this subsection, the minimum fine assessed shall be two hundred dollars ($200.00). Upon conviction of a third or subsequent offense under this subsection, the minimum fine assessed shall be five hundred dollars ($500.00).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Section 6-39 of the Killeen Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful for an owner to permit an animal to run at large, and requires that "all animals shall be kept under restraint," with each incident of running at large charged as a separate offense. The ordinance then defines restraint in detail rather than leaving it to interpretation. An animal is restrained if confined within a fenced yard (the fence must stop the animal from reaching over, under, or through it; a substandard fence is itself unlawful) or in a ventilated kennel or crate sized at least 100 square feet for a dog six months or older.
A dog may also be tethered, but only under tight conditions: the tether must run at least 10 feet, swivel at each end, mount to a pulley or trolley cable no higher than 7 feet off the ground, and attach to a properly fitted nylon, canvas, or leather collar or harness. Chain collars are excluded outright, and the tethered animal must stay in the immediate possession and visual contact of a person capable of controlling it. Vehicle travel counts as restraint only if the animal is secured in an enclosed compartment or, in an open truck bed or convertible, cross-tied or caged so it cannot fall or jump out, with the owner nearby.
The fourth restraint option is simply being held on a leash, rope, or chain by someone capable of controlling the dog. Animal services officers and peace officers may trap animals at large using live traps, and tampering with a city trap or releasing a confined animal is a separate misdemeanor under subsection (d). A dog or cat in heat must be confined so it cannot contact another animal absent a valid breeder's permit from animal services (subsection (c)).
Violations & Fines
A first offense under Sec. 6-39 is a Class C misdemeanor citation issued by an animal services or peace officer. Subsection (f) sets escalating minimum fines: at least $200 for a second conviction and at least $500 for a third or subsequent conviction. Subsection (g) allows the penalty to be enhanced under Sec. 1-8 where an unrestrained or improperly tethered dog attacks, bites, or approaches a person causing reasonable fear of attack, or kills or injures a legally restrained domestic or livestock animal without provocation, an "aggravated at large" violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tether my dog in the backyard in Killeen?
Is a fenced yard enough to satisfy Killeen's restraint rule?
What happens the second time my dog is caught at large in Killeen?
Can my dog ride loose in the bed of a pickup truck in Killeen?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Killeen
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Killeen to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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