10 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Brazoria County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Texas counties cannot zone, so unincorporated Brazoria County sets no limit on backyard chickens or livestock. The real control is the local-option stock law: after a county election, owners may not let the named animals run at large.
Texas Agriculture Code Sec. 143.074(a)
...a person may not permit any animal of the class mentioned in the proclamation to run at large in the county or area in which the election was held.
Texas counties cannot enforce a countywide leash law in unincorporated areas. Inside cities the city code controls: Pearland requires dogs restrained on a leash or confined. The county does enforce state dangerous-dog restraint rules.
Pearland Code of Ordinances Sec. 20-42
...to allow, cause, or permit such animal to enter, run at large or remain upon the grounds of any public park, public recreational area or public facility unless the animal is crated, caged, upon a leash not longer than six feet... or otherwise under physical restraint at all times.
No. Texas law forbids any county or city from regulating dogs by breed. Brazoria County and its cities may restrict declared dangerous dogs, but a rule cannot single out pit bulls or any specific breed.
Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.047
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.
Brazoria County sets no beekeeping ordinance because Texas counties cannot zone. Beekeeping in unincorporated areas is governed only by state apiary law; inside cities the municipal code may add hive rules.
Brazoria County cannot zone, so it sets no exotic-pet ordinance, but state law strictly controls dangerous wild animals. Owning a lion, tiger, or similar animal requires registration and caging under Health & Safety Code Ch. 822, Subchapter E.
Brazoria County has no general ordinance banning the feeding of deer, raccoons, or other wildlife, since counties cannot zone. Wildlife is managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife, and coastal-area alligator feeding is prohibited by state law.
Brazoria County cannot zone livestock out of the unincorporated area. A local-option stock law can require fencing so animals do not run at large, and the Texas Right to Farm Act shields established agricultural operations from nuisance suits.
Texas Agriculture Code Sec. 251.004(a)
No nuisance action or other action to restrain an agricultural operation may be brought against an agricultural operation that has lawfully been in operation and substantially unchanged for one year or more prior to the date on which the action is brought.
Brazoria County has no hoarding-specific ordinance, but state animal-cruelty law reaches neglect. Failing to provide adequate food, water, care, or shelter to many animals is a criminal offense enforced by the county and constables.
Unincorporated Brazoria County sets no numerical limit on dogs or cats because Texas counties cannot zone. Pet-number caps come only from city codes, so Pearland, Lake Jackson, or Angleton residents should check their municipal ordinance.
Brazoria County has no cat leash or licensing ordinance, but state law requires every cat to be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Cities may add cat rules; the county enforces rabies control.
Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 826.021(a)
Except as otherwise provided by department rule, the owner of a dog or cat shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies by the time the animal is four months of age and at regular intervals thereafter as prescribed by department rule.
1 cities in Brazoria County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Brazoria County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Brazoria County Ordinance Hub →