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 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

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.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Desoto code enforcement](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.822.htm) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

The rules around breed restrictions in DeSoto lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Chickens & Livestock

DeSoto strictly regulates keeping chickens and livestock in residential zones. Roosters are generally prohibited citywide due to noise. A limited number of hens (typically 4-6) may be allowed on large

Key details: Prohibitions: Roosters generally prohibited. Limits: Hens limited (typically 4-6) on qualifying lots. Setbacks: Coop setback 50-100 feet from dwellings. Zoning: Larger livestock needs 1+ acre and ag zoning. Limits: No slaughter within city limits.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Desoto code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tx/desoto/codes/code_of_ordinances) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

This is one of the stricter rules in DeSoto's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Livestock

DeSoto restricts keeping livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys) in residential districts. Most livestock requires agricultural zoning and minimum lot sizes of 1-3 acres depending on s

Key details: Note: Livestock generally restricted to agricultural zones. Requirement: Minimum 1-3 acre lots typically required. Note: Setback 50-100 feet from neighbor dwellings. Note: Pigs face extra restrictions. Note: No slaughter within city limits.

This is one of the stricter rules in DeSoto's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

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.

Compared to other cities, DeSoto takes a harder line on dog leash laws. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Exotic Pets

DeSoto prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals as pets within city limits. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter E, dangerous wild animals (lions, tigers, bears, non-human primate

Key details: Dangerous Wild Animals: Dangerous wild animals prohibited residentially. Tex. H&s Code: Tex. H&S Code Ch. 822 Subch. E applies. Tex. Parks &: Tex. Parks & Wildlife Code Ch. 63 covers native species. Common Exotics (reptiles,: Common exotics (reptiles, ferrets, birds) allowed. Verify With Desoto: Verify with DeSoto Animal Services.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. DeSoto actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.

Beekeeping

DeSoto allows beekeeping on residential lots subject to reasonable setbacks and hive numbers. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 requires beekeepers to register with the Texas Apiary Inspection Servic

Key details: Beekeeping Allowed: Beekeeping allowed on most residential lots. Application: Tex. Agriculture Code Ch. 131 registration rules. Dimensions: Setbacks from property lines required. Dimensions: Flyway barriers recommended (6-ft fence/hedge). Water Source: Water source on property advised.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Desoto code enforcement](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/AG/htm/AG.131.htm) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Wildlife Feeding

DeSoto discourages feeding of wildlife that creates nuisance or public health concerns. Intentional feeding of feral hogs, coyotes, raccoons, and similar wildlife is prohibited when it attracts animal

Key details: Prohibition: Nuisance wildlife feeding prohibited. Note: Bird feeders generally allowed. Note: Must not attract rodents or create unsanitary conditions. Prohibition: Coyotes/raccoons/hogs especially prohibited. Note: Feral cat colonies should include TNR.

The Bottom Line

DeSoto is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in DeSoto, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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, where we track updates as they happen.