Animal Ordinances in Richardson, TX (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Richardson, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Richardson caps backyard flocks at eight hens and bans roosters outright under City Code Sec. 5-18. Chickens must live in a covered, predator-proof coop giving at least one square foot of roosting area and ten square feet of outdoor run per bird.
Richardson Backyard Chickens: Eight Hens, No Roosters
Some RestrictionsRichardson, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 5-18 (Keeping of chickens) (Ord. No. 4507, § 10, 8-12-2024)
(a) A person commits an offense if such person keeps or maintains: (1) More than eight hens; and (2) Roosters are prohibited. (b) A person commits an offense if such person keeps or maintains chickens in an enclosure that is not: ... (2) A three or more sided structure with a minimum of one square foot of roosting area per chicken with a roof or cover ... and has direct access from the roosting...
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.
Richardson Dog Leash & Running at Large Laws
Light 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
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
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
Light 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
Richardson makes it unlawful to own, possess, keep, or harbor any wild animal within the city, with no household-pet exception. Only government entities, public zoos, research institutions, licensed exhibitions, rodeos or circuses, and licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers are exempt.
Richardson Bans Owning Wild Animals
Heavy RestrictionsRichardson, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 5-12
Sec. 5-12. - Wild animals; prohibited. (a)It shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess, keep or harbor any wild animal within the city.(b)It is a defense to prosecution under subsection (a) that the owner or possessor:(1)Is a governmental entity;(2)Operates a zoo open to the public;(3)Is a research institution;(4)Owns or operates an animal exhibition, rodeo, or circus in which the animal...
Mandatory Spay/Neuter
Richardson does not require spay/neuter citywide, but Sec. 5-17(b) lets the city force an unaltered dog or cat to be spayed or neutered before release once it has been impounded twice or more, with the animal shelter's fee charged to the owner.
Richardson Repeat-Impoundment Spay/Neuter Rule
Some RestrictionsRichardson, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 5-17(b)
(b)If an impounded dog or cat has not been spayed or neutered and has previously been impounded on two or more occasions, the city may, in addition to the requirements of this section, require that the animal be spayed or neutered prior to release of the animal to the owner. The animal control authority shall have authority to have the animal spayed or neutered under the auspices of the Richard...
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