Texas is open-range by default, but a county or precinct may adopt a 'stock law' by election requiring owners to fence livestock in. Whether Bell County closed the range for a given animal is recorded with the county clerk. Owners must keep stock off highways.
Absent a local stock law, Texas common law is open range, so an owner isn't automatically liable if livestock strays onto private land, though never onto U.S. or state highways. Under Agriculture Code Chapter 143, a county or precinct can hold an election to 'close the range,' after which owners may not let the named class of animals (cattle, horses, hogs, sheep, goats) run at large. Many Central Texas counties adopted stock laws decades ago; confirm Bell County's exact status and the animals covered with the Bell County Clerk's election records.
Where a stock law is in effect, permitting animals to run at large is an offense and owners are civilly liable for damage. Estrays may be impounded by the sheriff.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Bell County, TX
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See how Bell County's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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