Garland's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Garland, 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.

Exotic Pets

Garland prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals (big cats, bears, wolves, primates, venomous reptiles) in residential areas and enforces Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter E registration requirements.

Key details: Restrictions: Dangerous wild animals (big cats, bears, primates) effectively banned in residential zones. Requirements: TX H&S Code 822 Subchapter E registration required statewide. Requirements: $100,000 liability insurance and USDA caging required. Common exotics: Common exotics (ferrets, hedgehogs, non-venomous snakes) allowed. Native wildlife: Native wildlife regulated by TPWD under Parks & Wildlife Code Ch. 63.

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

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

Livestock

Livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and swine are prohibited on small residential lots in Garland; they may be kept only on properties zoned agricultural or meeting minimum acreage and setback standards.

Key details: Limit: Cattle, horses, goats, sheep generally restricted to ag-zoned property. Limit: Swine prohibited within most city limits. Fee: Barns/pens must be set back ~100+ feet from neighbor dwellings. Waste: Waste management required to control flies and odor. Authority: Code Compliance: (972) 205-3340.

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

Compared to other cities, Garland takes a harder line on livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Breed Restrictions

Garland does not ban specific dog breeds; instead, the city follows the Texas dangerous dog statute and enforces its own dangerous-dog registration, containment, and liability-insurance requirements.

Key details: Breed Specific: No breed-specific ban (Texas H&S Code 822 preempts cities). Requirements: Dangerous dog registration required after qualifying incident. Insurance Required: $100,000 liability insurance or surety bond required for dangerous dogs. Requirements: Secure enclosure and muzzle/leash off-property required. Agricultural: Animal Services enforces under Garland Code Chapter 6.

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

Wildlife Feeding

Garland prohibits feeding wildlife in a manner that creates a nuisance, attracts vermin, or endangers public health, with Code Compliance authorized to order abatement around Lake Ray Hubbard and city parks.

Key details: Note: No blanket feeding ban, but nuisance/sanitation rules apply. Prohibition: Feeding waterfowl/deer in city parks generally prohibited. Requirement: Pet food and trash must be stored to prevent attracting wildlife. Note: TPWD prohibits feeding alligators and certain protected species. Note: Enforced by Code Compliance and Park Rangers.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is permitted in Garland subject to setback, hive density, water source, and flyway barrier requirements; beekeepers must also register with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service.

Key details: Setback: 5-foot setback from side/rear property lines. Requirement: Six-foot flyway barrier required when close to neighbors. Requirement: On-site water source required. Note: Hive count limited by lot size. Requirement: State registration with TAIS required (TX Ag Code 131).

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

Chickens & Livestock

Garland allows backyard chickens with setback and coop requirements under Chapter 6 of the City Code; roosters are prohibited in residential zones and the number of fowl is limited by lot size.

Key details: Birds Allowed: Hens permitted, roosters banned. Coop Setback: 50 feet from neighbor dwelling. Flock Limit: Based on lot size. Sanitation: Odor and vermin free. Complaints: Code Compliance (972) 205-3340.

Dog Leash Laws

Garland requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. License and rabies vaccination required. TX HSC §822.013 covers dogs at large.

Key details: Leash: Required in public. Off-Leash: Designated parks only. License: Required + rabies. State Law: TX HSC §822.013.

Off-leash: $50 to $200. At-large: impound fees + citation. Unlicensed: $50 to $250. Waste: $50 to $500.

The Bottom Line

Garland is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Garland, 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 Garland'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.