Texas Statewide Rule
Texas Regulates Dangerous Wild Animals Statewide
Key Facts
- Statute
- TX HSC 822.101–822.116
- Liability insurance
- $100,000 minimum
- Registration required
- Before acquisition
- Local bans
- Permitted
Summary
Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter E governs ownership of dangerous wild animals: lions, tigers, bears, primates, and more. Owners must register with their county or city animal-registration agency and meet liability and caging standards.
Sec. 822.103. CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION; FEES. (a) A person may not own, harbor, or have custody or control of a dangerous wild animal for any purpose unless the person holds a certificate of registration for that animal issued by an animal registration agency. (b) A certificate of registration issued under this subchapter is not transferrable and is valid for one year after its date of issuance or renewal unless revoked. (c) The animal registration agency may establish and charge reasonable fees for application, issuance, and renewal of a certificate of registration in order to recover the costs associated with the administration and enforcement of this subchapter. The fee charged to an applicant may not exceed $50 for each animal registered and may not exceed $500 for each person registering animals, regardless of the number of animals owned by the person. The fees collected under this section may be used only to administer and enforce this subchapter.
Full Breakdown
Subchapter E of Chapter 822 (Sections 822.101–822.116) defines dangerous wild animals to include lions, tigers, ocelots, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, bobcats, lynx, servals, caracals, hyenas, bears, coyotes, jackals, baboons, chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas, and any hybrid of these species. To possess one in Texas, the owner must obtain a certificate of registration, carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance, and maintain enclosures meeting USDA standards. Local animal-registration agencies issue certificates and may inspect facilities. Cities and counties may also prohibit possession entirely within their jurisdiction.
Violations & Penalties
Possessing a dangerous wild animal without a certificate of registration is a Class C misdemeanor under HSC 822.113, with each animal and each day a separate offense, plus civil penalties of $200 to $2,000 per animal per day under 822.114.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a tiger or lion in Texas?
What animals are not 'dangerous wild animals' under this law?
Sources
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