Conroe's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Conroe, Texas, there are 5 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 code, but Chapter 10 sets real rules: chickens must be confined, fowl lots need four square feet per bird and must sit 20 feet from any adjoining residence. Hogs are banned outright.

Key details: Zoning ban: None; Conroe has no zoning. Space per chicken: 4 square feet minimum. Coop setback: 20 feet from adjoining residence. Hogs: Prohibited citywide. Permit required: No permit in Chapter 10.

Violations of Chapter 10 are punished under section 1-13, with fines up to $500, or up to $2,000 for public health and sanitation offenses. Each day is a separate offense.

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.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Conroe gives residents more flexibility on dog leash laws.

Breed Restrictions

Texas law bars Conroe from banning or restricting dogs by breed. Instead the city regulates individual dogs its animal control authority formally declares dangerous under Chapter 822 of the Health and Safety Code and Conroe Code §§ 10-80 through 10-82: mandatory microchipping, spay/neuter proof, a rigid secure enclosure, muzzle-and-leash rules in public, and a posted warning sign.

Key details: No breed rules allowed: Tex. HSC § 822.047. Compliance window: 30 days to microchip and secure dog. Kennel standard: 8-ft walls, 4-in concrete slab. Leash limit: 6 feet outside secure kennel. Appeal deadline: 15 days to justice/county/municipal court.

Failing to comply with the state owner requirements or an applicable municipal dangerous-dog regulation is a Class C misdemeanor under Health and Safety Code § 822.045(a)-(b); a second conviction becomes a Class B misdemeanor under § 822.045(c), carrying higher fines. An unprovoked attack causing bodily injury by a dangerous dog outside its enclosure is a separate Class C misdemeanor under § 822.044, and a court that finds the owner guilty may order the dog destroyed under § 822.004.

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.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Conroe 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.

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.