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.
Killeen, TX
Killeen prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towed ...
Killeen, TX
Killeen regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new cons...
Killeen, TX
Killeen regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Killeen, TX
Killeen requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Killeen, TX
Killeen requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Killeen, TX
Killeen may have wildfire hazard zones requiring defensible space around structures, fire-resistant building materials, and vegetation management.
See how Killeen's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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