Exotic Pets: Dallas vs Mesquite
How do exotic pets rules compare between Dallas, TX and Mesquite, TX?
Dallas and Mesquite have similar restriction levels.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas City Code Chapter 7, Article VI, Sec. 7-6.1 prohibits the keeping of certain dangerous or exotic animals as pets. It is unlawful to sell, exchange, give away, or transfer a prohibited animal in the city for use as a pet. Defenses include being a licensed facility, veterinarian, humane society, or exhibitor at the State Fair with proper permits. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E further regulates dangerous wild animals at the state level.
View full Dallas rules →Mesquite, TX
Dallas County
Mesquite prohibits dangerous wild animals including big cats, bears, wolves, and venomous reptiles, consistent with Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 822.
View full Mesquite rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Ch. 7, Art. VI, Sec. 7-6.1 | - |
| Prohibition | Unlawful to keep prohibited animals as pets | - |
| State Law | TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 822, Subch. E | - |
| Exceptions | Licensed facilities, vets, humane societies, State Fair exhibitors | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Can I keep an exotic animal as a pet in Dallas?
No. Sec. 7-6.1 prohibits keeping prohibited animals as pets in Dallas. Defenses exist only for licensed facilities, veterinarians, and certain exhibitors with proper permits.
What state law applies to exotic pets in Texas?
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E regulates dangerous wild animals including registration requirements, liability, and local control authority.
Mesquite FAQ
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