Breed Restrictions: Mcallen vs Mission
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Mcallen, TX and Mission, TX?
Mcallen and Mission have similar restriction levels.
Mcallen, TX
Hidalgo County
Texas does not ban specific dog breeds. Lillian’s Law (HSC Ch. 822) is behavior-based. Dangerous dog designations based on individual dog’s actions.
View full Mcallen rules →Mission, TX
Hidalgo County
Hidalgo County does not ban or restrict any dog breed, and Texas law forbids it from doing so. Health and Safety Code Sec. 822.047 lets a county add dangerous-dog rules only if they are not specific to a breed. Dangerous dogs are handled by individual conduct, not breed.
View full Mission rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mcallen | Mission |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Bans | None in Texas | - |
| State Law | Lillian’s Law (HSC Ch. 822) | - |
| Dangerous Dogs | Behavior-based only | - |
| HOA | May have breed rules | - |
| Breed ban | - | None; barred by state law |
| State preemption | - | H&S Code Sec. 822.047 |
| Standard used | - | Behavior (Sec. 822.041) |
| Dangerous-dog duties | - | H&S Code Sec. 822.042 |
| Any breed | - | Judged by conduct only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mcallen FAQ
Are pit bulls banned?
No. Texas does not ban any dog breed. Dangerous dog designations are behavior-based under Lillian’s Law.
What about HOA breed restrictions?
HOAs may restrict breeds in CC&Rs. These are private rules, not city ordinances.
Mission FAQ
Can Hidalgo County ban pit bulls or any breed?
No. Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 822.047 allows extra dangerous-dog rules only if they are not specific to any breed, so breed bans are preempted statewide. Regulation is based on a dog's behavior.
How is a dangerous dog defined?
Under Sec. 822.041, a dangerous dog is one that makes an unprovoked attack causing bodily injury outside a secure enclosure, or acts so a person reasonably believes it will attack. Any breed qualifies by conduct.
What must the owner of a dangerous dog do?
Under Sec. 822.042 the owner must register the dog, restrain it on a leash or in a secure enclosure, and carry liability insurance, or surrender the dog to animal control.
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