How Richardson Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Richardson maintains 144 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 Richardson falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Chickens & Livestock

Under Sec. 5-18, Richardson allows up to 8 hens per residence. Roosters are prohibited. Chicken enclosures must provide at least 1 sq ft of roosting area and 10 sq ft of outdoor enclosure per chicken, and must be cleaned weekly.

Key details: Maximum Hens: 8. Roosters: Prohibited. Roosting Area: 1 sq ft per chicken. Outdoor Area: 10 sq ft per chicken.

Violations are punishable under Sec. 1-8. Improperly housed chickens or exceeding the limit results in Code Enforcement citations. Roosters must be removed immediately.

Exotic Pets

Under Sec. 5-12, it is unlawful to own, possess, keep, or harbor any wild animal within Richardson. Wild animals include lions, tigers, bears, wolves, alligators, crocodiles, coyotes, elephants, poisonous reptiles, and similar species.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 5-12. Ban: All wild/exotic animals prohibited. Exceptions: Zoos, research, licensed rehab centers. Examples Banned: Lions, tigers, wolves, alligators, venomous reptiles.

Possession of a wild animal is a misdemeanor offense with fines per Sec. 1-8. The animal will be impounded and may be destroyed.

Compared to other cities, Richardson takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Breed Restrictions

Richardson does not have breed-specific legislation. Under Sec. 5-7, any animal may be declared dangerous or vicious through a complaint and hearing process with the Director of Health. Dangerous animals may be ordered removed from the city or destroyed.

Key details: Breed Bans: None (behavior-based). Complaint Process: Sworn written complaint to Environmental Health. Hearing: Within 20 days. Appeal: Municipal court within 5 days.

Keeping a declared dangerous animal within the city is an offense under Sec. 5-9(3). Failure to surrender an animal ordered destroyed or removed is also an offense.

Wildlife Feeding

Richardson prohibits feeding wildlife in ways that attract nuisance animals or create sanitation problems. Feeding of feral hogs and coyotes is discouraged, and bird feeding is allowed if it does not attract rats or create accumulations.

Key details: Creating Conditions: Creating conditions that attract nuisance wildlife is prohibited. Feeding Coyotes: Feeding coyotes or feral hogs is discouraged and may result in a. Bird Feeders: Bird feeders allowed if maintained to avoid rodent attraction. Feeding Wildlife: Feeding wildlife on City parkland is prohibited. Tx Parks: TX Parks & Wildlife Code regulates game animal feeding.

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

Livestock

Richardson generally prohibits livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine) in residential zones. Limited backyard chickens (typically up to 6 hens, no roosters) may be allowed subject to coop setbacks and sanitation rules.

Key details: Zoning: Cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and swine prohibited in residential zones. Limits: Backyard hens typically limited to 6; roosters prohibited. Setbacks: Coop setbacks of 25-50 ft from neighboring homes apply. Agricultural: On-site slaughter of animals is prohibited. Agricultural: Animal Services: (972) 744-4480; Code Enforcement: (972) 744-4180.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Richardson actively enforces its livestock requirements.

Beekeeping

Richardson permits residential beekeeping subject to hive setbacks, colony limits based on lot size, and registration under Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 for beekeepers with six or more colonies.

Key details: Requirement: Hives must be 10 ft from property lines, 25 ft from sidewalks. Requirement: Flyway barrier (6 ft tall) required within 25 ft of property line. Requirement: Water source must be provided on the beekeeper's property. Note: Colony limits scale with lot size (typically 2-4 per 1/4 acre). Note: TX Ag Code Ch. 131 requires state registration at 6+ colonies.

Dog Leash Laws

Under Sec. 5-9(1), dogs must not run at large. Off-premises, dogs must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long. On premises, dogs must be confined by a substantial fence or secured by a metal chain/leash. All dogs must be vaccinated and microchipped.

Key details: Leash Length: 6 ft maximum off premises. Vaccination: Required; rabies tag on collar. Microchip: Required for all dogs and cats. Enclosure: 100 sq ft per dog.

Running at large violations result in impoundment per Sec. 5-3. Owners must pay impoundment fees, vaccination costs, and any fines to reclaim. Repeat impoundment may require spay/neuter per Sec. 5-17(b).

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Richardson actively enforces its dog leash laws requirements.

The Bottom Line

Richardson is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Richardson, 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 Richardson'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.