Bexar County, TX Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Cruelty statute
- TX Penal Code 42.092
- Seizure law
- TX HSC Chapter 821
- Case threshold
- 6+ animals heightened
- Investigators
- BCAS and BCSO
- Felony trigger
- Repeat or torture
Summary
Bexar County prosecutes animal hoarding under Texas Penal Code 42.092 (animal cruelty) and Texas Health and Safety Code 821 (seizure of cruelly treated animals), with Bexar County Animal Care Services and BCSO investigating complaints in unincorporated areas.
Sec. 42.092. CRUELTY TO NONLIVESTOCK ANIMALS. (a) In this section: (1) 'Abandon' includes abandoning an animal in the person's custody without making reasonable arrangements for assumption of custody by another person. (2) 'Animal' means a domesticated living creature, including any stray or feral cat or dog, and a wild living creature previously captured. ... Sec. 42.107. POSSESSION OF ANIMAL BY PERSON CONVICTED OF ANIMAL CRUELTY. (a) A person commits an offense if the person: (1) possesses or exercises control over an animal; and (2) within the five-year period preceding the date of the instant offense, has been previously convicted of an offense under: (A) Section 42.091, 42.092, or 42.10.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Texas does not have a dedicated hoarding statute, but Bexar County applies Texas Penal Code 42.092 when a person fails to provide necessary food, water, care, or shelter. Animal Care Services partners with BCSO and Adult Protective Services to investigate hoarding cases. Under Texas HSC 821.022, justice courts may issue seizure warrants when probable cause exists. Convicted hoarders face mandatory psychological evaluation under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 42.0376 and may be barred from owning animals. Cases involving 6+ animals trigger heightened review.
Violations & Fines
Class A misdemeanor under Penal Code 42.092 (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine); state jail felony for repeat offenders; mandatory animal forfeiture; potential ban on future ownership; psychological evaluation required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many animals constitute hoarding in Bexar County?
Will hoarders lose their pets permanently?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bexar County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bexar County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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