Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

Do livestock need to be fenced?

Open vs. Closed Range

Texas is an open-range state, but counties may hold elections to become closed range and require livestock to be fenced. Many Texas counties became closed range in the early 1900s. You should check with your county to see what the range law is in your area.

Attorney General Opinion GA-0093 (2003)
This opinion from Attorney General Greg Abbott discusses case law supporting the idea that Texas is an open range state.
Common Questions About Texas Livestock Laws
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association provides answers to common questions about livestock laws (open vs. closed range) and links to the laws themselves.
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.

Stock Law Lists

Texas Stock Laws By County (Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C., Attorneys at Law)
This private attorney's office has compiled a list of most Texas counties' stock laws.
Compilation of Texas Stock Laws (Alison Rowe, Attorney at Law)
This private attorney's office has compiled stock laws from at least 234 Texas counties. According to their website, they can provide copies of these laws for a fee.

Fences & Stray Livestock

Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 142
This chapter sets out provisions related to stray livestock. It discusses reporting strays, redemption procedures for owners, and impoundment of livestock when the owner is unknown or unable to be reached.
Five Strands: a Landowner's Guide to Fence Law in Texas, 2nd ed.
Created by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, this book gives landowners a background on how Texas fence laws originated, explains the current laws that landowners should know, and details a few common fence dispute scenarios and solutions.
Texas Agriculture Law Blog: Fence Law Archives
The Texas Agriculture Law Blog has a series of articles that discusses fence law in relation to livestock animals. This is a great source for information about fences and livestock.
Theft and the Law
This page from the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association discusses the law on cattle theft, strays, fencing, and brands.

Health & Safety

Animal Cruelty

Section 42.09 of the Texas Penal Code
This section sets out the criminal offense known as "Cruelty to Livestock Animals."
Section 42.105 of the Texas Penal Code
This section sets out the criminal offense known as "Cockfighting."
Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 822, Subchapter B
This subchapter describes the circumstances under which a dog or coyote may be killed in relation to an attack on livestock.
Brief Summary of Texas Animal Cruelty Laws
This page provides a brief explanation of Texas's animal cruelty laws and their penalties. It is published by the Animal Legal & Historical Center, University of Michigan.

Disease Control & Prevention

Texas Agriculture Code, Title 6, Subtitle C: Control of Animal Diseases and Pests
Discusses the prevention of particular diseases as well as the authority of the Texas Animal Health Commission.
Texas Administrative Code, Title 4, Part 2
The regulations from the Texas Animal Health Commission cover a variety of animal diseases and lists mandatory reporting of certain diseases.

Stabling & Pasturing

Section 70.003 of the Texas Property Code
This section, "Stable Keeper's, Garageman's, Pasturer's, and Cotton Ginner's Liens," discusses the process of placing a lien on an animal when the owner fails to pay the amount charged for its care.
Rancher's Agricultural Leasing Handbook: Grazing, Hunting, and Livestock Leases
This handbook from Texas A&M's AgriLife Extension provides information for those seeking to lease their land for the purpose of grazing, hunting, or livestock use.

Who can I contact?

Texas Crime Stoppers
If you suspect that criminal animal cruelty is being committed, you can call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477). You can also submit a tip online. All reports are anonymous.
Texas Animal Health Commission
This agency works to protect the health of livestock and control pests and disease. This agency will investigate public complaints relating to medical testing and quarantine of certain agricultural animals.
Texas Department of Agriculture
This department regulates the agriculture industry in Texas and issues certain licenses.
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA)
Use this website to locate your district's TSCRA special ranger who investigates agricultural crime, such as stolen livestock, and determines proper ownership of strays. TSCRA also operates a tip line to report stolen cattle.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
This federal agency is reponsible for food safety, agricultural research and some aspects of animal health, amongst many other regulatory duties.