Richmond, TX Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Code chapter
- Chapter 6 Animals
- Standard
- Leash or direct control
- Enforcement
- Richmond animal control
- Bite backstop
- Tex. HSC Ch. 822
Summary
Richmond requires dogs to be restrained, leashed, or under direct control when off the owner's property under Chapter 6 of the city code, with animal control enforcement and impoundment authority.
Sec. 822.005. ATTACK BY DOG. (a) A person commits an offense if the person is the owner of a dog and the person:(1) with criminal negligence, as defined by Section 6.03, Penal Code, fails to secure the dog and the dog makes an unprovoked attack on another person that occurs at a location other than the owner's real property or in or on the owner's motor vehicle or boat and that causes serious bodily injury, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, or death to the other person; or(2) knows the dog is a dangerous dog by learning in a manner described by Section 822.042(g) that the person is the owner of a dangerous dog, and the dangerous dog makes an unprovoked attack on another person that occurs at a location other than a secure enclosu
Full Breakdown
Richmond's downtown grid around Morton Street and Travis Avenue, plus residential streets in Bellaire and Long Meadow Farms-adjacent neighborhoods, see steady foot traffic, joggers, and dog walkers. Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances prohibits dogs from running at large, generally meaning a dog is off the owner's property without a leash or not under the immediate physical control of a competent person. Dogs picked up by animal control are impounded and subject to redemption fees, and unredeemed animals may be transferred or euthanized after the holding period. Owners are also responsible under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 for any injuries caused by their dog, and serious bite incidents trigger dangerous-dog procedures.
Violations & Fines
Animal control may impound the dog and issue a citation; owners pay impound, boarding, and rabies-check fees plus municipal court fines for repeat at-large offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Richmond, TX require dogs to be on a leash?
What happens if my dog is picked up by Richmond animal control?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richmond
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Richmond to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fort Bend County handle dog leash laws.