La Porte, TX Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash Required
- All public areas
- At Large
- Subject to impoundment
- Parks
- Dogs must be leashed
- Off-Leash Park
- None in city limits
- Contact
- (281) 471-3820 Animal Control
Summary
La Porte Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 (Animals) requires dogs to be restrained when off the owner's property. Dogs must be on a leash or under the physical control of their owner when in public spaces. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment by La Porte Animal Control. The city does not have a dedicated off-leash dog park.
Sec. 822.043. REGISTRATION. (a) An animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept shall annually register a dangerous dog if the owner:(1) presents proof of:(A) liability insurance or financial responsibility, as required by Section 822.042;(B) current rabies vaccination of the dangerous dog; and(C) the secure enclosure in which the dangerous dog will be kept; and(2) pays an annual registration fee of $50.(b) The animal control authority shall provide to the owner registering a dangerous dog a registration tag. The owner must place the tag on the dog's collar.(c) If an owner of a registered dangerous dog sells or moves the dog to a new address, the owner, not later than the 14th day after the date of the sale or move, shall notify the animal
Full Breakdown
La Porte's animal ordinance in Chapter 14 requires dogs to be kept under restraint at all times. When off the owner's property, dogs must be on a leash and under the physical control of a person capable of controlling the animal. Dogs are not permitted to run at large on public streets, sidewalks, parks, or other public areas. On private property, dogs must be confined by a fence, kennel, or other secure enclosure to prevent escape. Electronic/invisible fences may not meet the containment requirement under the ordinance. Dogs found running at large are subject to impoundment by La Porte Animal Control. Owners must retrieve impounded animals within the specified holding period and pay impoundment fees. Dogs in La Porte city parks must be leashed at all times: there is no designated off-leash dog park within city limits. La Porte Animal Control can be reached through the Police Department at (281) 471-3820.
Violations & Fines
Dogs at large can be impounded with fees for retrieval. Owners may receive citations with fines up to $500. Repeat offenses result in escalating fines. Dogs that bite or attack while at large may be declared dangerous with additional restrictions and penalties for the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs have to be on a leash in La Porte TX?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in La Porte
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