How Haltom City Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Haltom City maintains 45 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Haltom City falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Chickens & Livestock
Haltom City allows backyard hens under Chapter 14 with coop setbacks; roosters are restricted in residential zones. TX HB 1750 protects backyard flocks. Livestock is restricted to ag zoning.
Key details: Hens: Allowed, typical limit 4 to 6. Roosters: Typically prohibited in residential. Coop Setback: 25 to 50 feet from neighbors. State Law: TX HB 1750 protects backyard flocks. Livestock: Agricultural zoning only.
Class C misdemeanor; fine up to 500 dollars per day. Chronic sanitation or setback violations can require removal of the animals.
Breed Restrictions
Haltom City bans no specific breed. TX Health and Safety Code 822.047 preempts breed-specific local laws. Dangerous-dog determinations under Lillian's Law (TX H and S 822) apply regardless of breed.
Key details: Breed Bans: None, preempted by state law. State Preemption: TX H and S 822.047. Dangerous Dog Law: Lillian's Law TX H and S 822. Registration Fee: 50 dollars annually. Insurance: 100,000 dollar liability required.
Breed-based violations: none. Dangerous-dog violations: Class C misdemeanor minimum; escalates to state jail felony if the dog kills or seriously injures a person.
Haltom City is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.
Dog Leash Laws
Haltom City requires dogs to be leashed or physically restrained off the owner's property under Code Chapter 14. Off-leash dogs on streets, parks, and trails are subject to impoundment and citation up to 500 dollars.
Key details: Leash Required: Yes, off the owner's property. Voice Control: Not acceptable restraint. Impoundment: Immediate for at-large dogs. Rabies Proof: Required to retrieve pet. Max Fine: 500 dollars per offense.
Class C misdemeanor; fine up to 500 dollars per offense. Impoundment fees and boarding costs apply. Repeat offenses trigger escalating fines and possible dangerous-dog hearings.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Haltom City gives residents more flexibility on dog leash laws.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Haltom City 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.
All of the above reflects Haltom City'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.