How Bixby Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Bixby maintains 41 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Bixby falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Breed Restrictions

Bixby does not have breed-specific legislation. Oklahoma state law prohibits breed-specific regulations, requiring dangerous dog laws to be breed-neutral per 4 O.S. §46. A recent court ruling confirmed that even home-rule cities may not pass breed-specific laws conflicting with state law. Dogs are evaluated individually based on behavior.

Key details: BSL: Not permitted by state law. State Law: 4 O.S. §46 (breed-neutral). Court Ruling: Home-rule cities cannot override. Dangerous Dogs: Individual behavior evaluation.

Breed ban violations: impoundment, fines $100 to $500, possible euthanasia order. Dangerous dog violations: escalating penalties.

The rules around breed restrictions in Bixby lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Dog Leash Laws

Bixby's leash law requires all dogs and cats to be secured by a strap, chain, rope, cord, leash, or other device not exceeding 8 feet in length when off the owner's property, held by a competent person to prevent the dog from attacking any person. All pets must be rabies vaccinated per state law. Animal-inflicted injuries should be reported to Bixby Police Animal Control at (918) 366-8294.

Key details: Leash Length: 8 ft maximum. Restraint: Required off owner's property. Rabies Vaccine: Required by state law. Report: (918) 366-8294.

Off-leash: $25 to $200. At-large: impound fees + citation. Unlicensed: $25 to $200. Waste: $25 to $200.

Exotic Pets

Bixby regulates exotic pet ownership through its animal control provisions in the Code of Ordinances. Dangerous wild animals such as large cats, bears, and non-human primates are typically restricted. Oklahoma state wildlife possession regulations also apply. Contact Bixby Police Animal Control at (918) 366-8294 for specific species restrictions.

Key details: Code Reference: Title 5 (Public Safety). Large Wild Animals: Typically restricted. State Regulations: ODWC wildlife possession rules. Contact: (918) 366-8294.

Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $500 to $5,000. Criminal charges possible for dangerous species. Owner liable for damages from escaped animals.

Beekeeping

Bixby does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. Beekeeping is generally permitted subject to general nuisance provisions. Oklahoma state law does not prohibit urban beekeeping. Hobbyists should maintain hives so they do not create a public nuisance. Contact the Planning Department for any zoning-specific restrictions.

Key details: City Ordinance: No specific beekeeping code. General Rule: Permitted, subject to nuisance law. State Law: No prohibition. Contact: Planning Department.

Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: fines. Unregistered apiary: state-level penalty.

The rules around beekeeping in Bixby lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Chickens & Livestock

Bixby allows up to 6 hens on residential lots one-half acre or larger. No roosters in residential zones. The city's agricultural heritage along the Arkansas River bottomland means properties zoned agricultural have broader livestock rights.

Key details: Hens Allowed: 6 maximum. Lot Size: Half acre minimum. Roosters: Prohibited residential. Agricultural: Broader livestock allowed.

Unauthorized livestock: removal order. Nuisance: $50 to $500. Roosters in prohibited areas: immediate removal.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Bixby gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 2 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Bixby can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.