Conroe's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Conroe, Texas, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Chickens & Livestock

Conroe has no zoning-based prohibition on chickens or small livestock, but animals must not create a nuisance under Chapter 10 and Chapter 26. Roosters are generally not permitted due to nuisance complaints. Deed restrictions in many neighborhoods prohibit poultry.

Key details: Zoning Ban: None (no zoning code). Permit Required: No. Roosters: Not permitted. Nuisance Standard: Applies under Ch. 10 & Ch. 26. Deed Restrictions: Commonly prohibit poultry.

Nuisance citations up to $2,000 under Ch. 10 and Ch. 26 for animals causing odor, noise, or sanitation issues.

Dog Leash Laws

Conroe Chapter 10 requires dogs to be under restraint when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment and citations. Montgomery County Animal Services enforces in the greater area.

Key details: Code Section: Ch. 10 (Animals). Leash Required: Yes, off owner's property. Enforcement: MCAS (936-442-7738). Tether Minimum: 5x dog's body length (state law).

Citations issued for dogs at large under Ch. 10. MCAS may impound the animal. Repeat violations escalate.

Breed Restrictions

Conroe follows Texas state law which prohibits breed-specific legislation. No breed ban exists. Dangerous dog determinations are incident-based under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822.

Key details: Breed Ban: None (state law prohibits BSL). Governing Law: TX HSC Ch. 822, Subch. D. Dangerous Dog: Incident-based determination. Requirements: Registration, enclosure, insurance.

Failure to comply with dangerous dog requirements is a Class C misdemeanor under state law. MCAS enforces requirements.

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

Exotic Pets

Montgomery County has a Wild and Dangerous Animal Ordinance enforced by MCAS. State law (TX HSC Chapter 822, Subchapter E) regulates dangerous wild animals including lions, tigers, bears, and great apes. Local permits may apply.

Key details: County Ordinance: Wild and Dangerous Animal Ordinance. State Law: TX HSC Ch. 822, Subch. E. Registration: Required for dangerous wild animals. Enforcement: MCAS (936-442-7738).

Possessing an unregistered dangerous wild animal is a Class C misdemeanor under state law. Nuisance citations up to $2,000 locally.

Beekeeping

Conroe has no specific beekeeping ordinance. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 governs beekeeping statewide. No city ban exists, but nuisance rules apply under Ch. 26. Deed restrictions may restrict hives.

Key details: City Ordinance: None specific to beekeeping. State Registration: Required under TX Ag Code Ch. 131. Nuisance Rules: Apply under Ch. 26. Deed Restrictions: May prohibit hives.

Nuisance citations up to $2,000 if hives cause neighbor interference. TX Agriculture Code Chapter 131 violations subject to state penalties.

Conroe is more permissive than most cities when it comes to beekeeping. That said, there are still limits.

Wildlife Feeding

Conroe does not have a specific wildlife feeding ordinance, but feeding wildlife that creates a nuisance may be cited under Chapter 26. Sec. 26-33 prohibits conditions that attract vermin or create sanitation issues.

Key details: Specific Ban: None for wildlife feeding. Nuisance Rules: Ch. 26, Sec. 26-33 applies. Feral Hogs: TPWD rules apply. Max Fine: $2,000.

Nuisance citations up to $2,000 under Ch. 26 if wildlife feeding creates sanitation or safety issues.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Conroe gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 2 of the 6 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.

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