Breed Restrictions: Fort Worth vs Keller
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Fort Worth, TX and Keller, TX?
Fort Worth has fewer restrictions than Keller.
Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth does not ban any dog breed. Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 822.047 preempts cities from enacting breed-specific legislation. Instead, Fort Worth regulates individual dogs under its 'dangerous' and 'aggressive' dog provisions in Chapter 6.
View full Fort Worth rules →Keller, TX
Tarrant County
Keller bans no dog breed. TX Health and Safety Code 822 (Lillian's Law) uses a behavior-based dangerous dog standard. HOAs may privately restrict breeds.
View full Keller rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Worth | Keller |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | Fort Worth Code Ch. 6 | - |
| State Preemption | Tex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.047 | - |
| Aggressive Dog Fence | 72-inch perimeter barrier | - |
| Breed-Specific Ban | None | - |
| Breed Ban | - | None (state preempts cities) |
| State Framework | - | TX H&S 822 Lillian's Law |
| Dangerous Dog Insurance | - | 100,000 dollars |
| Criminal Tier | - | TX H&S 822.005 serious injury |
| HOA Overlay | - | May restrict breeds |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Worth FAQ
Are pit bulls banned in Fort Worth?
No. Fort Worth has no breed-specific ban, and Texas state law (Sec. 822.047) prohibits cities from banning specific breeds. Dogs are regulated individually based on behavior, not breed.
What rules apply to aggressive dogs in Fort Worth?
Chapter 6 requires aggressive dogs to be confined behind a 72-inch perimeter barrier, with additional containment, leash, and insurance requirements depending on the dog's classification.
Keller FAQ
Are pit bulls banned in Keller?
No. Texas state law prohibits city breed bans. Keller regulates individual dogs only through the behavior-based dangerous dog process.
What happens if my dog bites someone in Keller?
Animal Services investigates, and if warranted a dangerous-dog hearing is held. A finding triggers registration, secure enclosure, muzzle, and 100,000 dollar insurance.
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