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Tyler, TX Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Running At Large
Public nuisance, unlawful
Dog Limit
4 per household
Voice Command
Off-leash exception
Impound
$20 plus $15/day
State Law
TX HSC Sec. 822.013

Summary

Tyler prohibits any animal from running at large; loose dogs are a public nuisance subject to impoundment under Sec. 14-11. Households may keep up to four dogs, and off-leash is allowed only under proven voice command.

All dogs, livestock, fowl, or dangerous wild animals running astray within the City limits or within five thousand (5,000) feet thereof are hereby declared a public nuisance. It is unlawful for any person, without regard to mental state, to suffer or permit any animal to run astray within the City limits or within five thousand (5,000) feet thereof.

Source: Tyler Code of OrdinancesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: July 2026: Including amendments through July 22, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Tyler Code Sec. 14-11 declares any dog running astray within the city, or within 5,000 feet of it, a public nuisance, and makes it unlawful to permit an animal to run at large; repeat offenses carry higher minimum fines. Animal control may impound loose dogs, with owners paying a $20 intake fee plus $15 per day boarding (Sec. 14-9). Tyler recognizes a voice-command exception: a dog that reliably heels and returns on command need not be leashed. No household may keep more than four dogs (Sec. 14-10). Dogs at large are also governed by Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.013.

Violations & Fines

Running at large draws citation and impoundment; redemption requires paying boarding fees and proof of rabies vaccination. Fines escalate with each repeat offense involving the same animal or owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Tyler have a leash law?
Yes. Letting a dog run at large is unlawful and a public nuisance under Sec. 14-11. Dogs off private fenced property must be controlled.
Can my dog be off-leash if it obeys voice commands?
Yes. Tyler recognizes a voice-command exception for a dog that reliably heels beside you and returns when called.
How many dogs can I own in Tyler?
Up to four dogs per household, with exceptions for kennels, shelters, vets, and litters under twelve weeks old.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tyler

Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsLight RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Artificial TurfFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesLight RestrictionsHome Business: Zoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsHome Business: Customer Traffic RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Tyler rules

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