# Leash Laws in Texas | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Understanding Texas Leash Laws 2. Consequences For Breaking Leash Laws in Texas 3. Suing Over a Dog Bite in Houston, TX 4. Seek Legal Help For a Dog Bite Injury 5. Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Leash Laws in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Leash-Laws-in-Texas-300x200.jpg) Many [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/), [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/) dog owners like to let their dogs go unleashed. While your furry friend might enjoy this freedom, this choice can occasionally leave the owner facing fines and sometimes even losing their dog.  So before you let your dog go unleashed, take the time to learn the Lone Star State’s position on leash laws. And if an unleashed dog has harmed you, you should know what Texas state law has to say about who should pay for the damage. ## Understanding Texas Leash Laws Some states choose to place state-wide restrictions on dog owners, but many states don’t. But regardless of whether a state has a leash law, most cities usually set their own ordinances that dictate when and where a dog owner is required to keep their dogs restrained.  Texas is one of many states that doesn’t have a state-wide leash law. However, nearly every Texas municipality has dog leash laws (also known as running-at-large laws).  Most Texas cities require dogs to be leashed at all times. For example, Houston’s [running-at-large law](https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH6ANFO_ARTIVDOCA_DIV3IMDORULA) states that dog owners must maintain physical control over a dog unless it’s confined to an area where it can’t access a street or sidewalk.  Generally speaking, Texas dog owners must keep their dogs leashed unless they’re on fenced-in [private property](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-happens-if-a-dog-bites-someone-on-your-property/). For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Consequences For Breaking Leash Laws in Texas A Texas leash law violation isn’t typically a criminal offense. However, it can still come with some serious consequences.  Breaking Texas leash laws typically becomes a problem when the dog causes harm to someone. If an unleashed dog bites or [attacks someone](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/dog-bites-in-texas-can-you-protect-yourself/), it can be legally deemed a “[dangerous dog](https://www.houstontx.gov/barc/declaring_dog_dangerous.html).” The one exception to identifying a dog as dangerous is if the attack was provoked. The law allows for more leniency if the dog is being harmed, abused, or protecting its puppies or food. If someone is injured and files an unleashed dog complaint, the city will likely conduct an investigation. In some cases, the dog owner will be given orders for how to maintain the dog, such as having a “dangerous dog” tag attached to the collar at all times. The owner may also be fined — for example, Houston’s dangerous dog fines can range from $500 to $2,000.  In the most unfortunate cases, an investigation can even result in an order to surrender the dog to be euthanized.  ## Suing Over a Dog Bite in Houston, TX Finally, the person injured by a dog can also sue the owner in civil court. If this happens, there’s a good chance that the owner will be found legally responsible for paying for the damage. [Dog bite injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/dog-bite-lawyer/) compensation can be costly, especially if the injuries are serious.  The responsible dog owner may be expected to pay compensation to cover various losses, including:  - [Medical bills](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-handle-your-medical-bills-after-a-car-accident/) - Ambulance bills - Prescription medication costs - Therapist costs - Medical device costs - [Lost wages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/can-i-be-reimbursed-for-lost-wages-after-a-car-accident/) and benefits - [Emotional distress](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/suing-for-emotional-distress-after-an-accident/) Ultimately, allowing a dog to go unleashed in Texas can have financially ruinous consequences — not to mention the chance of the city seizing the dog and possibly euthanizing it. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Seek Legal Help For a Dog Bite Injury Leash laws exist to help keep people safe. When an unleashed dog hurts someone, the law is usually on the victim’s side, holding owners responsible for their pet’s actions. If an unleashed dog has bitten you, a Houston dog bite lawyer can help you recover compensation. Before paying the price for a dog owner’s [negligence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-negligence/), consult a lawyer and learn more about your options for recovering the compensation you deserve. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help For more information, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000). Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. As a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Brian represents clients throughout Houston in cases involving [car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), [truck accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/), [motorcycle accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/), [brain injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/), [wrongful death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/), and more. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives across Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston)   Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Dog Bites Blog Posts: [![Dog Bite Statistics Per Breed](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dog-Bite-Statistics-Per-Breed-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/dog-bite-statistics-by-breed/) [Dog Bite Statistics by Breed](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/dog-bite-statistics-by-breed/) Dogs are kindly nicknamed “man’s best friend” for the love and loyalty they show their owners. However, even [![Dog Bites in Texas: Can You Protect Yourself?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/dog-bites-in-texas-can-you-protect-yourself/) [Dog Bites in Texas: Can You Protect Yourself?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/dog-bites-in-texas-can-you-protect-yourself/) It’s the end of a long day at work. Your taking your nightly walk around the block after eating dinner with your [![The Top Ten Most Dangerous Dog Breeds](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Top-Ten-Most-Dangerous-Dog-Breeds-300x199.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/ten-dangerous-dog-breeds/) [Ten Dangerous Dog Breeds](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/ten-dangerous-dog-breeds/) If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Texas, you need clear, practical guidance. Breed lists can offer context, --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/leash-laws-in-texas/