Animal Ordinances in Richardson, TX (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Richardson, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Richardson Chicken Keeping Ordinance
Some RestrictionsDog 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.
Richardson Dog Leash & Running at Large Laws
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.042 (Requirements for Owner of Dangerous Dog)
Sec. 822.042. REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNER OF DANGEROUS DOG. (a) Not later than the 30th day after a person learns that the person is the owner of a dangerous dog, the person shall:(1) register the dangerous dog with the animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept;(2) restrain the dangerous dog at all times on a leash in the immediate control of a person or in a secure enclosu...
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.
Richardson Dangerous Animal Regulations
Some 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
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.
Richardson Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Agriculture Code Sec. 131.001 (Bees and Honey - Definitions)
Sec. 131.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Abandoned apiary, equipment, or bees" means an apiary, equipment, or a colony of bees that is not regularly maintained or attended in accordance with this chapter or rules or quarantines adopted under this chapter.(2) "Apiary" means a place where colonies of bees or nuclei of bees are kept.(3) "Beekeeper" means a person who owns, leases, poss...
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.
Richardson Wild & Exotic Animal Ban
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife 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.
Richardson Wildlife Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsLivestock
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.
Richardson Livestock and Chicken Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Agriculture Code Sec. 142.003 (Discovery of Estray; Notice)
Sec. 142.003. DISCOVERY OF ESTRAY; NOTICE. (a) If an estray, without being herded with other livestock, roams about the property of a person without that person's permission or roams about public property, the owner of the private property or the custodian of the public property, as applicable, shall, as soon as reasonably possible, report the presence of the estray to the sheriff of the co...
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