Unincorporated Bexar County sets no numeric livestock limits; TX Ag Code Ch. 142 estrays and Ch. 143 stock laws apply. San Antonio restricts livestock to AG-zoned or legal nonconforming AG parcels.
Bexar County has long agricultural history and the Commissioners Court has maintained the county as a non-stock-law county for cattle in most precincts, meaning cattle may lawfully roam off-fence in limited areas, though most of suburbanized Bexar is functionally fenced. TX Agriculture Code 142 (estrays) sets procedures when livestock escape: impoundment, sheriff notice, and owner liability for feed and board. Ag Code 143 stock laws allow commissioners to pass local hog, sheep, and goat restrictions; Bexar has adopted modified provisions requiring swine to be contained. Right to Farm (Ag Code 251) protects established agricultural operations after one year. In the City of San Antonio, livestock including horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and swine require AG-zoned land or nonconforming use status; typical minimum is 1/2 acre per large animal with 100-foot setback from any dwelling not owned by the keeper. Converse, Live Oak, and Universal City either prohibit large livestock outright or require AG zoning. 4-H and FFA project animals in San Antonio Independent School District areas may receive temporary waivers during the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo (February) season. Feral hogs are a major statewide problem; Ag Code 161.141 prohibits releasing live feral hogs.
Estray fees under Ag Code 142 include sheriff advertisement costs, feed, and board recoverable from owner. Illegal swine release is a state jail felony. San Antonio livestock violations outside AG zoning are municipal offenses up to $500 per day. H&S 343 nuisance abatement applies to accumulated manure or pest conditions.
See how Bexar County's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.