Converse's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Converse, Texas, there are 7 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.
Wildlife Feeding
Converse prohibits feeding feral hogs, raccoons, coyotes, and other wildlife that creates public nuisance or safety hazard. Bird feeding is generally allowed. Deer feeding is restricted to manage chronic wasting disease.
Key details: Feral hogs: Do not feed, nuisance. Coyotes: Do not feed, habituation risk. Deer: Discouraged, CWD considerations. Birds: Generally allowed. Rabies vectors: Raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Breed Restrictions
Texas state law prohibits cities from enacting breed-specific legislation under Health and Safety Code 822.047. Converse does not ban pit bulls or other breeds but enforces dangerous-dog rules case-by-case.
Key details: Breed bans: Prohibited by state law. State preemption: Texas H&S 822.047. Dangerous dog framework: Texas H&S 822 Subchapter D. Lillian's Law: Felony for dangerous dog injuries. Insurance: 100,000 dollars required if dangerous.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Converse is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.
Exotic Pets
Converse prohibits dangerous wild animals in residential areas under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter E. Large carnivores, primates, and venomous snakes require state and sometimes federal permits.
Key details: Dangerous wild animals: Prohibited in residential zones. State framework: Texas H&S 822 Subchapter E. Insurance if allowed: 100,000 dollars minimum. Venomous reptiles: TPWD permit, often prohibited. Native wildlife: Not permitted as pets.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Converse's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Beekeeping
Converse permits residential beekeeping with setbacks under Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131. Hives register with Texas Apiary Inspection Service and must sit behind flyway barriers near property lines.
Key details: State framework: Texas Agriculture Code Ch 131. Hive setback: 10 feet from property line. Flyway barrier: 6 feet high if closer. Registration: TAIS if 6+ colonies. Africanized bees: Requeen as needed.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Chickens & Livestock
Converse allows backyard chickens in most residential zones with hen-only flock limits and coop setback requirements. Roosters are typically prohibited and larger livestock restricted to agricultural zones.
Key details: Hens allowed: Yes, 6 typical flock limit. Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones. Coop setback: 10 feet from property line. From dwellings: 25 feet minimum. Larger livestock: AG zones, 1+ acre.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Livestock
Livestock keeping in Converse (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine) is restricted to AG-zoned parcels typically 1 acre or larger with setbacks, fencing, and manure management requirements.
Key details: Zoning required: AG or RR districts. Minimum lot: Typically 1 acre. Horse/cattle: 1 acre + 0.5 per additional. Shelter setback: 50 feet from dwellings. Fencing: Closed-range containment required.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Converse takes a harder line on livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Dog Leash Laws
Dogs in Converse must be leashed or under direct physical control in all public areas. Texas Health and Safety Code 822 requires owners to prevent dogs from running at large. Off-leash means in designated areas only.
Key details: Leash required: All public areas. Voice control: Not sufficient. At home: Fenced yard or tether. State backup: Texas H&S 822.0421. Impound: At-large dogs subject to fees.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Converse takes a harder line on dog leash laws. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
The Bottom Line
Converse is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Converse, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
All of the above reflects Converse's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.