How College Station Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

College Station maintains 101 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where College Station falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Beekeeping

College Station may allow residential beekeeping with hive limits and setbacks. Africanized bee concerns in Texas. Regulations vary by city.

Key details: Hives: Check city limits. Registration: TAIS registration. Africanized: Concern in Texas. Ag Exempt: May qualify.

Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: fines. Africanized bee swarms: emergency removal.

Dog Leash Laws

College Station requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. License and rabies vaccination required. TX HSC §822.013 covers dogs at large.

Key details: Leash: Required in public. Off-Leash: Designated parks only. License: Required + rabies. State Law: TX HSC §822.013.

Off-leash: $50 to $200. At-large: impound fees + citation. Unlicensed: $50 to $250. Waste: $50 to $500.

Chickens & Livestock

College Station allows backyard chickens in residential areas with a limit of six hens and no roosters. Coops must be set back 20 feet from property lines and kept clean to prevent nuisance complaints.

Key details: Hens: 6 maximum. Roosters: Prohibited. Setback: 20 feet from property lines. Coop: Clean and maintained.

Unauthorized livestock: removal order. Nuisance: $100 to $500. Roosters in prohibited areas: immediate removal.

Exotic Pets

College Station restricts ownership of exotic and wild animals. Many species require special permits or are prohibited entirely for public safety.

Key details: Large Cats: Generally prohibited. Primates: Generally prohibited. Permits: Required for some species. Insurance: May be required.

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

Compared to other cities, College Station takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Breed Restrictions

Texas does not ban specific dog breeds. Lillian’s Law (HSC Ch. 822) is behavior-based. Dangerous dog designations based on individual dog’s actions.

Key details: Breed Bans: None in Texas. State Law: Lillian’s Law (HSC Ch. 822). Dangerous Dogs: Behavior-based only. HOA: May have breed rules.

Dangerous dog violations: Class C misdemeanor to third-degree felony depending on severity. Containment failure: $500+.

College Station is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Wildlife Feeding

College Station restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisance conditions.

Key details: Prohibited: Deer, coyotes, bears. Bird Feeders: May be restricted. Pet Food: Must not be left outside. Fines: $50 to $500.

Warnings for first offense. Fines typically $50 to $500. Repeat violations may result in misdemeanor charges in some jurisdictions.

The Bottom Line

College Station's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming College Station is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on College Station's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.