Bell County Commissioners passed an ordinance on Feb 7, 2011 to control stray dogs and cats in unincorporated areas, enforced by the Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section. State law (Health & Safety Code Ch. 822) governs dangerous dogs and dog-at-large near schools.
The 2011 Bell County stray animal ordinance authorizes the Sheriff to impound stray dogs and cats in unincorporated portions of the county to prevent rabies spread. Under Tex. Health & Safety Code §822.042, owners of dogs declared dangerous must restrain them at all times. §822.005 makes it a felony to allow a dangerous dog to attack. Bell County Animal Control (254-933-5412) issues citations and handles trapping, rabies quarantines, and impoundment. Cities (Killeen, Temple, Belton) have stricter leash ordinances within city limits — Killeen requires dogs leashed when outside a fenced yard.
County impoundment fees plus daily boarding. Dangerous dog violations under Ch. 822 are Class C misdemeanors up to felony charges if attack causes injury.
Bell County, TX
Bell County has no noise ordinance with set quiet hours in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack general police power to regulate noise (Local Gov Code C...
Bell County, TX
Bell County does not regulate fence heights in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack zoning authority outside ETJ. Subdivision regulations (adopted 2001,...
Bell County, TX
Bell County Commissioners Court may restrict 'restricted fireworks' (skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins) in the unincorporated county under Texas ...
Bell County, TX
Bell County does not regulate STR parking in unincorporated areas. Texas counties cannot impose off-street parking minimums on residential lots (Tex. Loc. Go...
Bell County, TX
Bell County does not set occupancy limits for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. Texas counties have no zoning or building-code authority over singl...
Bell County, TX
Bell County imposes a 2% county Hotel Occupancy Tax on short-term lodging (under 30 days) in unincorporated areas, on top of the 6% state HOT. Rentals inside...
See how Bell County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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