Animal Ordinances in La Porte, TX (2026)
5 verified animal ordinances for La Porte, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
La Porte restricts keeping of livestock including horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs to properties zoned for agricultural use or meeting minimum lot size requirements. Standard residential lots do not permit livestock under the zoning ordinance.
La Porte Livestock Regulations
Light RestrictionsTex. Agric. Code Sec. 142.001 (Running at Large Prohibited)
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...
Dog Leash Laws
La Porte Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 (Animals) requires dogs to be restrained when off the owner's property. Dogs must be on a leash or under the physical control of their owner when in public spaces. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment by La Porte Animal Control. The city does not have a dedicated off-leash dog park.
La Porte Dog Leash Laws
Light RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.043 (Registration)
Sec. 822.043. REGISTRATION. (a) An animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept shall annually register a dangerous dog if the owner:(1) presents proof of:(A) liability insurance or financial responsibility, as required by Section 822.042;(B) current rabies vaccination of the dangerous dog; and(C) the secure enclosure in which the dangerous dog will be kept; and(2) p...
Breed Restrictions
La Porte does not have breed-specific legislation (BSL) banning any particular dog breeds. Texas state law prohibits cities from enacting breed-specific bans. However, La Porte has dangerous dog regulations that apply to any dog of any breed that has attacked or bitten a person or animal. Owners of dogs declared dangerous face additional requirements.
La Porte Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.043 (Registration)
Sec. 822.043. REGISTRATION. (a) An animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept shall annually register a dangerous dog if the owner:(1) presents proof of:(A) liability insurance or financial responsibility, as required by Section 822.042;(B) current rabies vaccination of the dangerous dog; and(C) the secure enclosure in which the dangerous dog will be kept; and(2) p...
Beekeeping
La Porte does not have a specific ordinance prohibiting beekeeping on residential property. Texas is generally supportive of beekeeping, and state law provides certain protections for beekeepers. However, bee colonies that create a nuisance or safety hazard may be addressed under La Porte's general nuisance ordinance. Beekeepers should follow best practices for hive placement and management.
La Porte Beekeeping Regulations
Few RestrictionsTex. Agric. Code Sec. 131.041 (Registration of Beekeeper)
Sec. 131.041. PERMIT FOR INTERSTATE MOVEMENT. (a) A person may not ship or cause to be shipped bees or equipment into or out of this state unless the person has a permit issued by the chief apiary inspector authorizing the shipment.(b) A permit issued under this section applies to all shipments made by the beekeeper and expires on August 31 following the date the permit is issued. The term...
Exotic Pets
La Porte prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals in residential areas consistent with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822. Exotic animals including primates, large cats, bears, and venomous snakes are banned without special permits.
La Porte Exotic Pet Regulations
Light RestrictionsTexas Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.101 (Dangerous Wild Animals - Definitions)
SUBCHAPTER E. DANGEROUS WILD ANIMALS. Sec. 822.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) 'Animal registration agency' means the municipal or county animal control office with authority over the area where a dangerous wild animal is kept or a county sheriff in an area that does not have an animal control office. ... (4) 'Dangerous wild animal' means: (A) a lion; (B) a tiger; (C) an ocelot; (D) a...
Looking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement La Porte city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Harris County →