Mcallen, TX Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Summary
Mcallen requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. License and rabies vaccination required. TX HSC §822.013 covers dogs at large.
Sec. 822.007. LOCAL REGULATION OF DOGS. This subchapter does not prohibit a municipality or county from adopting leash or registration requirements applicable to dogs. ... Sec. 822.042. REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNER OF DANGEROUS DOG. (a) Not later than the 30th day after a person learns that the person is the owner of a dangerous dog, the person shall: (1) register the dangerous dog with the animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept; (2) restrain the dangerous dog at all times on a leash in the immediate control of a person or in a secure enclosure; (3) obtain liability insurance coverage or show financial responsibility in an amount of at least $100,000 to cover damages resulting from an attack by the dangerous dog causing bodily injury ...
Full Breakdown
Mcallen requires dogs to be on leash in all public areas. Off-leash exercise permitted only in designated dog parks. Dogs must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated. Dogs at large may be impounded by animal control per TX Health & Safety Code §822.013. Dangerous dog designation under Lillian’s Law (HSC Ch. 822) is behavior-based. Owner responsible for waste cleanup in public areas.
Violations & Fines
Off-leash: $50 to $200. At-large: impound fees + citation. Unlicensed: $50 to $250. Waste: $50 to $500.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mcallen
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hidalgo County handle dog leash laws.