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Animal Ordinances in DeSoto, TX (2026)

3 verified animal ordinances for DeSoto, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Chickens & Livestock

DeSoto lets residents keep hens with no numeric cap, but any livestock coop must sit 150 feet from a neighbor's home, stay sanitary, and hold no more than one rooster for every two hens.

DeSoto Backyard Chickens: 150-Foot Setback, One Rooster Per Two Hens

Some Restrictions

DeSoto Code of Ordinances § 2.1401 (Roosters)

(b) A person commits an offense if the person possesses or harbors more than one (1) rooster for every two (2) hens on any premises in the city. ... (d) A person who possesses or harbors a live rooster in the city commits an offense if the person: (1) fails to confine the rooster at all times within an enclosure that is of sufficient height and strength to retain the rooster; ... (3) maintains ...

Dog Leash Laws

DeSoto requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property or outside a secure enclosure. Dogs at large (running loose) can be impounded by DeSoto Animal Services, w

DeSoto Dog Leash Laws

Light Restrictions

Tex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.006(i), 822.007

(i) It is a defense to prosecution under Section 822.005(a) that, at the time of the conduct charged, the person's dog was on a leash and the person:(1) was in immediate control of the dog; or(2) if the person was not in control of the dog, the person was making immediate and reasonable attempts to regain control of the dog. ... Sec. 822.007. LOCAL REGULATION OF DOGS. This subchapter does ...

Breed Restrictions

Texas Health and Safety Code Section 822.047 prohibits Texas municipalities from enacting breed-specific legislation. DeSoto therefore does not ban or restrict any specific dog breeds. Instead, DeSoto

DeSoto Dog Breed Restrictions

Few Restrictions

Tex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.047 (Local Regulation of Dangerous Dogs)

Sec. 822.047. LOCAL REGULATION OF DANGEROUS DOGS. A county or municipality may place additional requirements or restrictions on dangerous dogs if the requirements or restrictions:(1) are not specific to one breed or several breeds of dogs; and(2) are more stringent than restrictions provided by this subchapter. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 916, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. SUBCHAPTER...

Looking for Dallas County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement DeSoto city rules.

Animal Ordinances in Dallas County