Animal Ordinances in DeSoto, TX: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in DeSoto or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. DeSoto has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.
Chickens & Livestock
DeSoto lets residents keep hens with no numeric cap, but any livestock coop must sit 150 feet from a neighbor's home, stay sanitary, and hold no more than one rooster for every two hens.
Key details: Hens allowed: No numeric cap. Rooster ratio: Max 1 per 2 hens. Coop setback: 150 ft from neighbor's home. Roosters: Confined at all times. Enforcement: DeSoto Animal Services.
Harboring too many roosters, failing to confine a rooster, or keeping a foul-smelling, fly-breeding coop is a municipal offense; DeSoto Animal Services can cite the owner and impound any animal found running at large.
Breed Restrictions
Texas Health and Safety Code Section 822.047 prohibits Texas municipalities from enacting breed-specific legislation. DeSoto therefore does not ban or restrict any specific dog breeds. Instead, DeSoto
Key details: No breed-specific bans: No breed-specific bans (Tex. H&S Code 822.047). Behavior-based dangerous-dog rules: Behavior-based dangerous-dog rules apply. Vaccination and licensing: Vaccination and licensing required. Dangerous dogs may: Dangerous dogs may need muzzle/insurance. HOAs may restrict: HOAs may restrict breeds on private covenants.
The rules around breed restrictions in DeSoto lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Dog Leash Laws
DeSoto requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property or outside a secure enclosure. Dogs at large (running loose) can be impounded by DeSoto Animal Services, w
Key details: 6-foot leash required: 6-foot leash required off property. Dogs at large: Dogs at large may be impounded. Waste cleanup mandatory: Waste cleanup mandatory. Off-leash only in: Off-leash only in designated dog parks. DeSoto Animal Services: DeSoto Animal Services enforces.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find DeSoto gives residents more flexibility on dog leash laws.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, DeSoto gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 2 of the 3 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 DeSoto can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, which shows when its source was last checked.