Grand Prairie, TX Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Sec. 5-21 triggers mandatory sterilization from any combination of three qualifying events inside a rolling twelve months: three impoundments under chapter 5, three convictions (including deferred adjudication) for the dog running at large under Sec. 5-12(a), three confinements or quarantines after the dog bites someone under Sec. 5-16, or any mix of those three totaling three events for the same dog. The thirty-day clock for filing proof of sterilization runs from release after the third impoundment, the third conviction date, or release from the third confinement or quarantine.

The rule does not apply if one of the three impoundments resulted from natural forces, fire, or a third party's crime committed by someone who did not live at the owner's residence. The animal services manager can extend the deadline or rescind the sterilization requirement entirely on a written veterinary report showing the surgery could jeopardize the dog's life or health, and there is no cap on how many extensions can be granted. If the dog dies, is lost, or is stolen before the sterilization completion date, the owner must deliver a signed letter to Animal Services within seven days describing the circumstances, or commits an offense.

An owner ordered to sterilize a dog can appeal that requirement to the city manager's designee by filing a written appeal with Animal Services within ten business days of the date that triggers the thirty-day sterilization deadline; the designee must hold a hearing within ten business days of receiving the appeal and issue a written decision within five business days after the hearing closes.