General Information

Animal Laws in Texas

Below you will find references to some frequently-asked-about Texas laws that govern animals and how humans interact with them. See other pages of this guide for more laws and information.

Animal Control Handbook
Created by the Texas Association of Counties, this publication discusses the law surrounding animal shelters, animal control officers, rabies vaccinations, and the regulation of dogs generally.
Stock Laws
This publication from the Texas Association of Counties is written in a Q & A style and covers relevant statutes and case law surrounding open and closed range status. It discusses the concept of "running at large," liability issues, estrays, and fences.
Texas Laws on Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals
This article from Nolo, a legal publisher, describes protections for those using service animals under Texas law.

E-Books and Databases Available from the State Law Library

These e-books contain information on animal law. These e-books can be viewed by those who have signed up for a free library account with the State Law Library. Only Texas residents are eligible to sign up. Signing up is free.

Animal law in a nutshell
Topics include: animal cruelty laws, livestock, domestic animal ownership, animal rights, hunting & fishing.
Every dog's legal guide : a must-have book for your owner
Describes the legal rights, responsibilities, and restrictions for dog owners on state and local levels, including laws on registration, travel, housing, service animals, dog bites, and animal cruelty.

Animal Studies: Law, Welfare and Rights (HeinOnline) This link opens in a new window
With titles from the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Animal Welfare Institute, this collection aims to establish the foundational laws pertaining to animals and follow the evolution of these rights throughout the years. It includes philosophical books dating back to the 1800s, videos, periodicals, brochures, and more. (Publisher description).