Livestock: Austin vs Dallas
How do livestock rules compare between Austin, TX and Dallas, TX?
Austin has fewer restrictions than Dallas.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Austin allows livestock with minimum lot size: 1 acre for goats/sheep, 2 acres for cattle/horses/hogs, all with a 100-ft setback from any dwelling (Austin City Code Ch. 3-2). Slaughter is banned in city limits except permitted poultry. Chickens have separate, looser rules.
View full Austin rules →Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas defines livestock as fowl, horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, emus, ostriches, and other farm animals under Chapter 7. Livestock keeping is restricted to areas where animal production is permitted under Section 51A-4.201. Enclosures must be 20+ feet from property lines.
View full Dallas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Zoning | - | Permitted in animal production zones only |
| Setback | - | 20 feet from property line |
| Code Sections | - | Chapter 7, §51A-4.201 |
| Definition | - | Fowl, horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, etc. |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Dallas FAQ
Can I keep goats or horses in Dallas?
Only in areas where animal production is permitted under Section 51A-4.201. Enclosures must be at least 20 feet from property lines.
What animals count as livestock in Dallas?
Fowl, horses, mules, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, emus, ostriches, and other common farm animals are defined as livestock under Chapter 7.
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