How Mansfield Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Mansfield 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 Mansfield falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Breed Restrictions
Mansfield does not ban any dog breed. TX Health and Safety Code 822 (Lillian's Law) preempts city breed bans and uses a behavior-based dangerous dog standard. HOAs may privately restrict breeds.
Key details: Breed Ban: None (state preempts). State Framework: TX H&S 822 Lillian's Law. Dangerous Dog Insurance: 100,000 dollars. Criminal Tier: TX H&S 822.005 serious injury. HOA Overlay: May restrict breeds.
No breed-specific citations. Behavior-based findings trigger registration, enclosure, muzzle, and 100,000 dollar insurance requirements; criminal penalties under 822.005 for serious injury events.
The rules around breed restrictions in Mansfield lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Chickens & Livestock
Mansfield allows backyard hens with coop setbacks from neighboring homes under Chapter 14. Roosters are restricted in residential zones, and TX HB 1750 (2023) protects hens as agricultural operations.
Key details: Hens: Allowed with setbacks. Roosters: Prohibited in residential. Livestock: Requires ag zoning or estate lot. State Law: TX HB 1750 (2023). HOA Overlay: Often bans hens outright.
Class C misdemeanor citations up to 500 dollars for setback, sanitation, or rooster violations; abatement orders requiring removal of livestock or hens for repeat or health-related complaints.
Wildlife Feeding
Mansfield discourages feeding of deer, coyotes, feral hogs, and raccoons. Intentional feeding that attracts wildlife causing a nuisance can be abated under Chapter 14 and state game laws.
Key details: Stand-Alone Ban: None. Nuisance Authority: Chapter 14 and Chapter 74. Bird Feeders: Allowed, maintain cleanly. Hunting in City: Prohibited. Report Wildlife: Mansfield Animal Care 817-276-4799.
Abatement orders under Chapter 14 and 74 nuisance rules; Class C misdemeanor citations up to 500 dollars for repeat feeding creating a nuisance; Texas Parks and Wildlife game violations for illegal baiting.
Exotic Pets
Mansfield bans dangerous wild animals under TX Health and Safety Code 822 Subchapter E. Non-human primates, big cats, bears, and crocodilians cannot be kept as pets in the city.
Key details: Framework: TX H&S 822 Subchapter E. Banned Examples: Primates, big cats, bears, crocs. Native Wildlife: TPWD permits required. Common Exotics: Allowed with nuisance rules. Max State Fine: 10,000 dollars per animal.
Seizure and impoundment of dangerous wild animals; Class C misdemeanor citations up to 500 dollars under Chapter 14; state civil penalties up to 10,000 dollars per animal under TX H&S 822.113.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Mansfield actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.
Livestock
Mansfield prohibits cattle, horses, hogs, sheep, and goats on standard residential lots under Chapter 14 and the UDC. Livestock is permitted on agricultural zoning and large estate tracts.
Key details: Residential Lots: Livestock prohibited. Estate or Ag Zoning: Allowed with stocking rules. Swine: Heavily restricted. State Framework: TX Ag Code Chapter 142. HOA Overlay: Generally bans livestock.
Abatement orders requiring removal of livestock from non-permitted lots; Class C misdemeanor citations up to 500 dollars; impoundment of estray animals with owner-paid recovery costs under TX Ag Code 142.
This is one of the stricter rules in Mansfield's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Dog Leash Laws
Mansfield requires dogs to be leashed off the owner's property under Chapter 14. Running at large is a Class C offense. Off-leash is allowed only in designated dog park areas.
Key details: Leash: Required off owner premises. Running at Large: Class C offense. Dog Parks: Off-leash only inside designated parks. Trails: Leashed, direct control, pick up waste. Tethering: TX H&S 821.076 applies.
Class C misdemeanor citations up to 500 dollars; impound fees and daily boarding charges for dogs picked up running at large; state penalties for tethering violations under TX 821.076.
Beekeeping
Mansfield allows backyard beekeeping on residential lots. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 and the Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) govern registration, hive movement, and disease.
Key details: Hobby Hives: Allowed on residential. State Framework: TX Ag Code Chapter 131. TAIS Registration: Not required under 6 colonies. Interstate Permit: 200 dollars plus health certificate. Setback Practice: 10 to 25 ft from property line.
No city permit process. Enforcement for nuisance hives uses Chapter 74 citations up to 500 dollars; interstate transport violations under TX Ag Code 131 carry state civil penalties.
The rules around beekeeping in Mansfield lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
The Bottom Line
Mansfield'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 Mansfield is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Mansfield's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.