Leander, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 2.03.005(a)-(d)
- Covered species
- Lions, tigers, bears, apes, ostriches, etc.
- Import/sale
- Selling or importing wild animals banned citywide
- Exempt
- Zoos, circuses, schools, service animals
- Injured-wildlife defense
- 3 days max, en route to a rehabilitator
- Max fine
- $500.00 (Sec. 2.01.005), per-day offense
Summary
Leander bars anyone from keeping, possessing or having custody of a "prohibited animal," wild animal or wildlife within city limits, and bans selling, giving or importing any wild animal into the city. The rule, Section 2.03.005 of the Leander, Texas Code of Ordinances, exempts zoos, circuses, schools and short-term care of injured wildlife bound for a rehabilitator.
(a)No person shall possess, keep or have care, custody or control of a prohibited animal, wild animal or wildlife within the city except as provided herein.(b)All persons shall be prohibited from selling, giving, transferring or importing into the city any wild animal.(c)This section shall not apply to approved zoological parks or circuses. Nor shall this section apply to primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, zoological parks owned or operated by a governmental entity or any animal assisting physically handicapped persons.(d)It shall be a defense to prosecution under this section that the animal being kept was an infant or injured animal which was not capable of surviving on its own and that such animal was kept for three days or less, or for such reasonable time as was necessary before giving the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Full Breakdown
" "Wild animal or wildlife" is defined more broadly as any nondomestic mammal, amphibian, reptile or fowl that is wild by nature or that, due to its size or vicious tendencies, constitutes a danger to human life or property. Subsection (c) exempts approved zoological parks, circuses, primary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, government-run zoological parks, and animals assisting physically handicapped persons. Subsection (d) provides a narrow defense to prosecution for keeping an infant or injured wild animal unable to survive on its own, but only if it is held three days or less, or as long as reasonably necessary before turning it over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. 003, who may enter private property to investigate a suspected violation.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a prohibited or wild animal is a Chapter 2 offense under Section 2.01.005: a fine of up to $500.00, with each day the animal remains in the person's custody counted as a separate offense. Animal services officers may investigate, cite the owner, and under Section 2.01.003(d) may tranquilize, capture, restrain or destroy the animal if it threatens public safety; repeat violators face enhanced fines as "habitual offenders."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a pet tiger, bear or other exotic animal in Leander?
Is there any exception for injured wildlife I find?
Do zoos or schools have to follow this rule?
What is the penalty for keeping a prohibited animal in Leander?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Leander
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Leander to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Williamson County handle exotic pets.