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Temple, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code § 6-55
Big cats
Lions, tigers, cougars banned
Canines
Wolves, coyotes, hybrids banned
Enforcement
Seizure and impoundment, Sec. 6-24
State exemption
TX Health & Safety Code § 822.102

Summary

Temple prohibits keeping lions, wolves, bears, primates, venomous reptiles, and other wild or exotic animals as pets citywide.

It is unlawful for a person to sell, offer for sale, trade, keep, own, harbor, use, or have in a person's possession or on property under such person's control any prohibited animal unless that person is exempted by Section 822.102, Subchapter E, Dangerous Wild Animals, Texas Health and Safety Code, as amended.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Reformat).

Full Breakdown

City Code Sec. 6-55 makes it unlawful to sell, keep, own, harbor, or possess any "prohibited animal," a term Sec. 6-2 defines to include state-law dangerous wild animals plus named categories: big cats, wolves/coyotes/canine hybrids, bears, primates, raccoons, venomous reptiles, alligators, and more. Ordinary domesticated cats, dogs, and small pets are excluded. The only out is the narrow exemption under Texas Health and Safety Code Subchapter E (822.102), which covers limited categories like zoos, research facilities, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Violations & Fines

Unlawful possession under Sec. 6-55; the animal is subject to seizure and impoundment under Sec. 6-24, with disposition and reclamation handled by Animal Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own a pet fox or wolf-dog in Temple?
No. Sec. 6-2 lists canines such as wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackals, and any canine hybrid as prohibited animals under Sec. 6-55.
What happens if animal services finds a prohibited animal?
It can be seized and impounded under Sec. 6-24, held at least three days, with reclamation available only in limited circumstances.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Temple

Dog Leash LawsLight RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsBuilding Safety: Building PermitsSignificant RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Artificial TurfFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsBusiness Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail LicenseSome Restrictions

All Temple rules

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