Katy classifies exotic animals as livestock subject to the one-acre rule and regulates dangerous wild animals under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E, with the city as the local enforcement authority.
Katy's livestock and fowl article specifically lists 'exotic animals' alongside cattle, horses, and fowl, meaning they cannot be kept on tracts under one acre and must be confined for personal noncommercial use. Separately, dangerous wild animals as defined by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E (lions, tigers, bears, primates over a certain weight, etc.) are regulated through the city's adoption of state law, requiring registration, caging, liability insurance, and notification of animal control. Common household pets such as dogs, cats, and caged songbirds are excluded from the livestock definition.
Local violations are Class C misdemeanors up to $500 per day. State dangerous wild animal violations under Chapter 822 carry separate civil penalties and possible seizure of the animal.
See how other cities in Fort Bend County handle exotic pets.
See how Katy's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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