Harris County regulates dangerous wild animals under county regulations and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822. Keeping lions, tigers, bears, primates, and other specified dangerous animals requires registration, $100,000 liability insurance, and secure enclosures approved by animal control.
Harris County's Regulations Relating to the Keeping of Dangerous Wild Animals supplement Texas HSC Chapter 822, Subchapter E. Covered animals include lions, tigers, bears, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, primates (non-human), and other species specified in state law. Owners must register with Harris County, maintain $100,000 liability insurance, provide county-approved secure enclosures, and allow inspections. Registration fees apply. Violations are criminal offenses. The county can seize unregistered dangerous animals. Standard exotic pets not on the dangerous animal list (reptiles, birds, small mammals) are not specifically regulated by the county.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Harris County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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