Animal Ordinances

Please click the following link to view the City of Balch Springs Animal Ordinances: > https://library.municode.com/tx/balch_springs/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH10AN

The following are commonly referenced city ordinances related to pet ovnership. 

To view more city ordinances related to animals, please see the online code of ordinances Chapter 10

Pet License

All pets must be licensed with the Balch Springs Animal Shelter. Pet owners must submit proof of a current Rabies vaccination for each pet. Registration is $5 per animal.

Rabies Vaccination

Texas State Law and City Ordinance requires the owner of a dog or cat to have their animals vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian by the age of 4 months and to receive boosters annually. If your pet is ever involved in a bite and its rabies vaccination is not current, it will have to be quarantined at the animal shelter.

Pet Limit

The city has a pet limit of 5 pets per household.

Leash Law

The city requires that all dogs be kept indoors, in a fenced yard or on a leash at all times and that all cats be kept indoors. Pet owners shall not allow an animal to run at large.

Barking/Noise Nuisance

Animals may not be allowed to disturb people by loud, unreasonable or frequent barking, howling, yelping or crowing anytime. An unreasonable or frequent amount of time is 15 minutes of continuous barking, howling, yelping or crowing.

After receiving a complaint, an Animal Services Officer will go out and address the complaint. If complaints continue, we will ask the complainants to fill out a statement as well as provide audio or video proof of the excessive noise. The witness may be asked to testify in court.

Keeping of Livestock Animals

Livestock animals to include horses, goats, cows and sheep. Must have at least one-half acre with at least 4,000 square feet per animal. Livestock must be kept a minimum of 75 feet away from any neighboring residence. Livestock pens must be kept clean and free of unpleasant odors.

Keeping of Fowl

Fowl includes but is not limited to chickens, roosters, ostrich, emus, ducks, geese, peacocks, guineas, turkeys or other such fowl.

Properties must have 13,000 square feet or more. All fowl must be kept in a pen or coop or tethered in such a way that the fowl do not run stray. Fowl must be housed in an area of at least 25 square feet per fowl. Coops or pens must be kept a minimum of 45 feet from any neighboring residence. All coops or pens must be kept clean and free of unpleasant odors.

*All persons who own, harbor or keep fowl within the city limits must register with the city of Balch Springs. Fowl Registration is $10.00 per property.

The Scoop on Poop

Animal owners shall be responsible for the removal of all pet waste deposited by his/her animal on public walks, recreation areas or private property.

Proper Care of Animals

Every owner or other person having care and control of any animal shall provide the following for each animal under their care and control:

  • Sufficient, nutritious and wholesome food.
  • Clean and wholesome water
  • Adequate shelter that allows the animal to remain dry and protected from the elements at all times and which shall provide either natural or artificial shade to avoid direct sunlight
  • Veterinary care as needed to prevent suffering.

Deceased Animals

Owners are responsible for the proper disposition of large dead animals other than a dog or cat.