Animal Ordinances in McKinney, TX

If you live in McKinney or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. McKinney has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Chickens & Livestock

McKinney lets residents keep up to an aggregate of 12 fowl per enclosure with no permit, but roosters are banned in residential districts and no more than one-fourth of the flock may be male. Ducks, turkeys, geese, and peacocks are prohibited outside agricultural zones.

Key details: Max fowl: 12 per enclosure. Roosters: Banned in residential districts. Male birds: Max one-fourth of flock. Enclosure: Indoors or secure pen/yard. Penalty: Up to $500 per day.

Keeping a rooster in a residential district, exceeding 12 fowl in one enclosure, or having more than one-fourth male birds is a nuisance under Sec. 26-43, punishable by a fine up to $500 per day.

Dog Leash Laws

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet whenever off the owner property under McKinney Code Chapter 14. Off-leash allowed only in designated dog parks (Bonnie Wenk Dog Park). TX Health & Safety Code 822.042 applies for dangerous dogs.

Key details: Leash Length: 6 ft max. Voice Control: Not accepted. Off-Leash: Designated parks only. Impound Fee: 50 plus boarding. Code: Chapter 14.

First offense citation 75, second offense 150, third and repeat 500. Dangerous dog designation under Lillian Law triggers insurance, muzzle, and enclosure requirements.

McKinney is more permissive than most cities when it comes to dog leash laws. That said, there are still limits.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is permitted in McKinney on lots over 1/4 acre with hives set back at least 25 feet from property lines per Zoning Ordinance. Texas Apiary Inspection Service registration required for 6 or more colonies.

Key details: Lot Minimum: 1/4 acre. Setback: 25 ft. Colonies: 2 under 1 acre. Flyway: 6 ft barrier. State Reg: TAIS if 6+ hives.

The rules around beekeeping in McKinney lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Breed Restrictions

McKinney does not enforce breed-specific legislation, consistent with Texas Health & Safety Code 822.047 which prohibits municipalities from banning breeds. Dangerous dog determinations are behavior-based under Lillian Law.

Key details: BSL: Not permitted. State Law: TX HSC 822.047. Standard: Behavior-based. Insurance: $100,000 for dangerous dogs.

Failure to comply with dangerous-dog rules: Class C misdemeanor up to $500; Class B if the dog causes injury; Class A or felony if serious injury or death occurs. Dog may be seized and ordered euthanized.

McKinney is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Exotic Pets

McKinney prohibits dangerous wild animals under City Code Chapter 14, aligned with Texas Health & Safety Code 822.101-116. Lions, tigers, bears, non-human primates, and venomous reptiles require state registration and are generally banned within city limits.

Key details: Big Cats: Banned. Primates: Banned. Venomous Reptiles: Banned. State Law: TX HSC 822 Subch. E. Registration: County required statewide.

Class C misdemeanor up to $500 per day; Class B misdemeanor if injury occurs. Animals may be seized by Animal Services and transferred to a licensed sanctuary; owner responsible for all costs.

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

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, McKinney gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 3 of the 5 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.

Keep in mind that McKinney 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.