How Haltom City Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Haltom City maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 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.

Wildlife Feeding

Haltom City prohibits intentional feeding of urban wildlife (coyotes, raccoons, feral hogs) that creates a nuisance under Chapter 14. Clean songbird feeders are exempt. TPWD also regulates wildlife feeding statewide.

Key details: Prohibited: Intentional feeding of urban wildlife. Exempt: Clean songbird feeders. Target Species: Coyotes, raccoons, feral hogs. State Role: TPWD for deer, hogs, rehab permits. Max Fine: 500 dollars per day.

Class C misdemeanor under Chapter 14; fine up to 500 dollars per day. Chronic feeding that attracts dangerous animals can trigger additional enforcement.

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.

Exotic Pets

Haltom City prohibits dangerous wild animals under Chapter 14. Tigers, lions, bears, venomous snakes, primates, and large constrictors are banned in residential areas. TX H and S 822.101 governs registration statewide.

Key details: Big Cats and Bears: Prohibited. Venomous Snakes: Prohibited. Primates: Prohibited. Common Small Exotics: Generally allowed. State Law: TX H and S 822.101 framework.

Class C misdemeanor under Chapter 14 with fines up to 500 dollars per day. State law violations under TX H and S 822 can escalate to Class A misdemeanor and seizure of the animal.

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

Livestock

Haltom City prohibits cattle, horses, swine, goats, and sheep in standard residential zones under Chapter 14. Livestock is permitted only on agriculturally zoned land of minimum size, which is rare inside city limits.

Key details: Cattle and Horses: Residential zones prohibited. Goats and Sheep: Residential zones prohibited. Swine: Broadly prohibited in city. Hens: Allowed with conditions. Agricultural Zones: Uncommon in Haltom City.

Class C misdemeanor under Chapter 14; fine up to 500 dollars per day. Chronic violations can result in code enforcement orders requiring removal of the livestock.

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

Beekeeping

Haltom City permits residential beekeeping with setback conditions under Chapter 14. TX Ag Code 131 and TAIS govern beekeeping statewide. Hobby beekeepers need no state registration; interstate moves need a TAIS permit.

Key details: Hives Allowed: Yes, with setback conditions. Typical Setback: 10 to 25 feet from property line. Flyway Barrier: 6-foot wall or hedge best practice. State Agency: TAIS, Texas Apiary Inspection Service. Interstate Permit: 200 dollars plus health certificate.

Class C misdemeanor under Chapter 14 for aggressive or unsanitary apiaries; fine up to 500 dollars per day. Hive removal can be ordered for repeated nuisance colonies.

Haltom City is more permissive than most cities when it comes to beekeeping. That said, there are still limits.

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.

The Bottom Line

Haltom City's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Haltom City is broadly strict or permissive.

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.