Animal Ordinances in DeSoto, TX (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for DeSoto, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
DeSoto strictly regulates keeping chickens and livestock in residential zones. Roosters are generally prohibited citywide due to noise. A limited number of hens (typically 4-6) may be allowed on large
DeSoto Chickens and Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsDog 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
Heavy RestrictionsTex. 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 RestrictionsTex. 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...
Beekeeping
DeSoto allows beekeeping on residential lots subject to reasonable setbacks and hive numbers. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 requires beekeepers to register with the Texas Apiary Inspection Servic
DeSoto Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
DeSoto prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals as pets within city limits. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter E, dangerous wild animals (lions, tigers, bears, non-human primate
DeSoto Exotic Pet Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
DeSoto discourages feeding of wildlife that creates nuisance or public health concerns. Intentional feeding of feral hogs, coyotes, raccoons, and similar wildlife is prohibited when it attracts animal
DeSoto Wildlife Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsLivestock
DeSoto restricts keeping livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys) in residential districts. Most livestock requires agricultural zoning and minimum lot sizes of 1-3 acres depending on s
DeSoto Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Agriculture Code Sec. 142.001 (Livestock - Estray Definitions)
Sec. 142.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Estray" means stray livestock, stray exotic livestock, stray bison, or stray exotic fowl.(2) "Perilous condition" means a circumstance or condition in which capture and impoundment of an estray presents an immediate threat to law enforcement personnel or to the health of the estray.(3) "Person" does not include the government or a governmenta...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement DeSoto city rules.
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