Leander, TX Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Livestock keeping inside Leander is governed primarily by the city's Chapter 2 animal regulations because Texas law leaves suburban livestock rules to municipalities. The Texas State Law Library notes that livestock such as cattle, horses, mules, hogs, sheep, and goats are not regulated at the state level for suburban areas, so city ordinances determine what may be kept within municipal boundaries. Leander's keeping-of-animals provisions require that fowl, rabbits, and other small mammals allowed by ordinance or state law be kept within a coop or hutch, with a fenced yard not qualifying as a pen or coop. Animal Services guidance indicates such enclosures must keep a 50-foot setback from other residences. Larger livestock generally require larger acreage and zoning that permits agricultural use. Separately, Texas 'stock law' matters: residents in 'closed range' counties must fence their livestock to prevent the animals from roaming onto roadways or neighboring property. Owners letting cattle, horses, or other stock run at large can face liability under state law. Anyone planning to keep livestock in Leander should verify the property's zoning, the city's enclosure and setback rules, and the applicable county range status.