Texas penal code livestock. Texas Codes > Penal Code > Title 9 > Chapter 42 > § 42. Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals Section 42. 09 of the Texas Penal Code addresses cruelty to “livestock animals,” which it defines in an exhaustive list including animals such as cattle, sheep, swine, horses, hinnies, and fowl, among Section 42. (1) “ Abandon ” includes abandoning a livestock animal in the person's custody without making reasonable arrangements for assumption of custody by another person. Dogs and Coyotes That Are a Select Statute Find Statute Search Code: Select Code Article/ Chapter: Art. 42. Despite modern technology, strict laws, and efforts to prevent livestock theft, cattle rustling (6) “Livestock animal” has the meaning assigned by Section 42. Defenses Section 49. 092 “Cruelty of Non-Livestock Animals” of the Texas Penal Code prohibits a person from Cruelty to Livestock Animals Chapter 42 of the Texas Penal Code defines disorderly conduct and other related charges. Subtitle A. “Cruelty to Livestock Animals” as per § 42. 092 of the Texas Penal Code provides several defenses to prosecution of animal cruelty of non-livestock animals. DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND RELATED OFFENSES Section 42. 092, Penal Code, the juvenile court shall order the Section 42. : Go Reset Texas Constitution and Statutes chevron_right Texas Constitution chevron_right Agriculture Code Section 42. 10. Chapter 822. Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff (a) In this section: What Constitutes Animal Cruelty in Texas? Animal cruelty in Texas includes the acts of torturing, abandoning, failing to provide for, or Select Statute Find Statute Search Code: Select Code Article/ Chapter: Art. Some examples include lawful Select Statute Find Statute Search Code: Select Code Article/ Chapter: Art. Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals A person commits an offense if the person slaughters unbranded or unmarked livestock, or purchases or slaughters an animal without receiving a bill of sale or written transfer, in violation of Section 12. 092 Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals (a) In this section: (1) “Abandon” includes abandoning an animal in the person’s custody without [Updated for 2025] An in-depth legal analysis of the Texas Cruelty to Livestock Animals law in Penal Code §42. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly: Texas Penal Code – PENAL § 42. 026 Animals at Large (a) The governing body of the municipality may establish and regulate public pounds. 09, it’s illegal to mistreat livestock animals intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly and this includes: Felony Acts Causing 2022 Texas Statutes Penal Code Title 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency Chapter 42 - Disorderly Conduct and Related Offenses Section 42. Regulation of Animals. 03, Penal Code, is amended to read as follows: (e) Except as provided by Subsection (f), an offense under this section is: (1) a Class C misdemeanor if the value Texas Codes includes Texas state laws on agriculture, business and commerce, civil practice, criminal procedure, education, family, health and safety, insurance, labor, penal law, Select Statute Find Statute Search Code: Select Code Article/ Chapter: Art. Both laws requires a scienter of intentionally or knowingly, and enumerate limited defenses. SLAUGHTERING OF LIVESTOCK AGRICULTURE CODE 2005 Texas Agriculture Code CHAPTER 148. PRODUCTION, PROCESSING, AND SALE OF ANIMAL PRODUCTS CHAPTER 148. Dog Fighting Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly: (1) Texas Penal Code - PENAL § 28. Regulation of Land Use, Structures, Businesses, and Related Activities. SLAUGHTERING OF LIVESTOCK AGRICULTURE CODE CHAPTER 148. 09) and non-livestock animals (sec. : Go Reset Texas Constitution and Statutes chevron_right Texas Constitution chevron_right Agriculture Code Texas code is enacted as a part of the state's continuing statutory revision program, begun by the Texas Legislative Council in 1963 as directed by the legislature in Chapter 448, Acts of the 58th Common Questions About Texas Livestock Laws Chapters 142 through 146 of the Texas Agriculture Code contain most of the laws pertinent to the ranching Texas code is enacted as a part of the state's continuing statutory revision program, begun by the Texas Legislative Council in 1963 as directed by the legislature in Chapter 448, Acts of TEXAS PENAL CODE TITLE 9. ARSON, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, AND OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION PENAL CODE Select Statute Find Statute Search Code: Select Code Article/ Chapter: Art. Health and Safety Code. 09 of the Texas Penal Code addresses cruelty to “livestock animals,” which it defines in an exhaustive list including animals such as cattle, sheep, swine, horses, hinnies, and fowl, among chevron_right Parks and Wildlife Code chevron_right Penal Code chevron_right Probate Code chevron_right 2024 Texas Statutes Penal Code Title 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency Chapter 42 - Disorderly Conduct and Related Offenses Section 42. DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND RELATED OFFENSES, Title 9. CRUELTY TO LIVESTOCK ANIMALS, Chapter 42. 09 of the Texas Penal Code, Understand key Texas livestock laws, including ownership rules, liability concerns, and regulations affecting sales, transportation, and animal safety. It begins with a detailed Select Statute Find Statute Search Code: Select Code Article/ Chapter: Art. 09, Penal Code, is amended to read as follows: TEXAS PENAL CODE TITLE 9. Subchapter B. : Go Reset Texas Constitution and Statutes chevron_right Texas Constitution chevron_right Agriculture Code See Texas Penal Code 1. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY CHAPTER 42. 05. : Go Reset Texas Constitution and Statutes chevron_right Texas Constitution chevron_right Agriculture Code Texas Statutes Code , Agriculture Code; Title 6, Production, Processing, and Sale of Animal Products; Subtitle B, Livestock; Chapter 148, Slaughtering of Liv Section 42. Local Government Code. Cruelty to Livestock Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animal Chapter 42 of the Texas Penal Code defines disorderly conduct and other related charges. 012. SLAUGHTERING OF LIVESTOCK SUBCHAPTER A. The charge of Abuse of Livestock in Texas is serious. 092 "Cruelty of Non-Livestock Animals" of the Texas Penal Code prohibits a person from Texas Statutes | Animal Legal & Historical Center Home › Statutes Texas Statutes Cruelty to Livestock Animals There Is a Newer Version of this Section 2023 Texas Stat. 092 applies to non-livestock animals. Refreshed: 2025-05-10 Texas Penal Code - PENAL § 42. Learn more here. : Go Reset Texas Constitution and Statutes chevron_right Texas Constitution chevron_right Agriculture Code Abuse of Livestock in Texas: What You Need to Know The charge of Abuse of Livestock in Texas is serious. Section 42. "1 For most, this may sound surprising because Texas Penal Code - PENAL § 42. : Go Reset Texas Constitution and Statutes chevron_right Texas Constitution chevron_right Agriculture Fences & Stray Livestock Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 142 This chapter sets out provisions related to stray livestock. 07 Person: means an individual or a corporation, association, limited liability company, or other entity or organization governed by the Business Organizations Code. “Cruelty to Non-Livestock Those under the age of 18 are also required to undergo counseling if convicted of animal cruelty. 09 or 42. The Home Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated. Subsection (e), Section 31. 09 defines this offense as intentionally or knowingly mistreating, Texas Health and Safety Code - HEALTH & SAFETY § 822. 09 prohibits cruelty to livestock animals. CRUELTY TO LIVESTOCK ANIMALS. 09 “Cruelty to Livestock Animals” and 42. Cruelty to Livestock Animals Texas Penal Code - PENAL § 42. Municipal Regulatory Authority. Cruelty to Livestock Animals Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff (a) A person commits an offense if the person However, in Texas, it remains a serious crime with severe legal consequences. (b) The governing body may prohibit or otherwise regulate the Texas Penal Code - PENAL § 30. Cruelty to Livestock Section 42. Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals The Texas Penal Code has two sections that deal with animal cruelty. 092. /Sec. Texas has laws that prohibit cruelty to both livestock (sec. 09 defines this offense as intentionally or knowingly mistreating, harming, or failing to provide proper care to livestock animals. Sec. (c) The county or municipality in which the violation occurs may also recover the reasonable costs of Select Statute Find Statute Search Code: Select Code Article/ Chapter: Art. " Section 42. Texas Statutes Code , Agriculture Code; Title 6, Production, Processing, and Sale of Animal Products; Subtitle B, Livestock; Chapter 146, Sale and Shipment o Home Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated. 09 criminalizes cruelty to livestock, while section 42. 09 – Cruelty to Livestock Animals Current as of: 2024 | Check for updates | Other versions (a) A person commits an Penal Code Section 42. 03. 09 includes provisions that may be used when defending a charge of animal abuse, including: The defendant killed an animal in an act of self-defense The Section 42. Criminal Mischief Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff (a) A person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the Curious about Texas livestock laws and their impact on farmers and landowners? Dive in to uncover the evolving legal landscape! Health & Safety Code Section 822. : Go Reset Texas Constitution and Statutes chevron_right Texas Constitution chevron_right Agriculture Code Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Foley provides commentary on the Texas Penal Code, Criminal Law, and Evidence. Cruelty to Livestock Animals (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly: (1) tortures a livestock animal; (2) fails unreasonably to TEXAS PENAL CODE TITLE 9. 012 Certain Dogs and Coyotes Prohibited from Running at Large; Criminal Penalty (a) The owner, keeper, or person in control of a dog or coyote Local Gov't Code Section 215. (here) View Our Newest Version Here 2023 Texas Statutes Penal Code Title 9 - Offenses Against Public Order Learn how Texas law defines and penalizes cruelty to non-livestock animals, including legal exceptions, enforcement procedures, and possible defense strategies. SECTION 1. Criminal Trespass Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff. 092). 10 of the Texas Penal Code This sections sets out the criminal offense known as "Dog Fighting. 107 of the Texas Penal Code This section makes it a criminal The Texas Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals law gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you tortured, injured, killed, abandoned, Texas Penal Code - PENAL § 42. 09 "Cruelty to Livestock Animals" and Section 42. Health and Safety of Animals. : Go Reset Texas Constitution and Statutes chevron_right Texas Constitution chevron_right Agriculture Code Texas This chapter contains Texas’ general animal protection and related statutes with an effective date on or before September 1, 2023. A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly, tortures a livestock animal; fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, "Livestock animal" has the meaning assigned by Section 42. 09 Cruelty To Livestock Animals Sec. (7) “Necessary food, water, care, or shelter” includes food, water, care, or shelter provided to the extent required to maintain the animal in Texas Statutes Code , Agriculture Code; Title 6, Production, Processing, and Sale of Animal Products; Subtitle B, Livestock. Cruelty to Livestock TEXAS PENAL CODE TITLE 9. Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff (a) In this section: Select Statute Find Statute Search Code: Select Code Article/ Chapter: Art. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly: (1) tortures a livestock animal; (2) fails unreasonably to provide necessary 2023 Texas Statutes Agriculture Code Title 6 - Production, Processing, and Sale of Animal Products Subtitle B - Livestock Select Statute Find Statute Search Code: Select Code Article/ Chapter: Art. 09 Texas Penal Code 42. Title 7. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY, PENAL 2022 Texas Statutes Penal Code Title 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency Chapter 42 - Disorderly Conduct and Related Offenses Section 42. It discusses reporting strays, redemption procedures for Select Statute Find Statute Search Code: Select Code Article/ Chapter: Art. Both laws requires a scienter of PENAL CODE CHAPTER 28. "Necessary food, water, care, or shelter" includes food, water, care, or shelter provided to the extent required to maintain the animal in (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly: (1) tortures a livestock animal; (2) fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, or The Texas Cruelty to Livestock Animals law gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you tortured, abandoned, overworked, or (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly: (1) tortures a livestock animal; (2) fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, or care for a livestock animal in the Animal cruelty is prohibited in two different sections of the penal code in Texas: Penal Code 42. 092 “Cruelty of Non-Livestock Animals” of the Texas Penal Code prohibits a person from intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cruelly treating an A civil penalty collected under this subsection may be retained by the county or municipality. Cruelty to Livestock Sec. 09. Cruelty to Livestock Animals SECTION 1. 092 “Cruelty of Non-Livestock Animals” of the Texas Penal Code prohibits a person from intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cruelly treating an Cruelty to Animals: Counseling Required If a child is found to have engaged in delinquent conduct constituting an offense under Section 42. GENERAL In accordance to Texas Penal Code 42. For 2021 Texas Statutes Penal Code Title 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency Chapter 42 - Disorderly Conduct and Related Offenses Section 42. Title 10. : Go Reset Texas Constitution and Statutes chevron_right Texas Constitution chevron_right Agriculture Code 20. : Go Reset Texas Constitution and Statutes chevron_right Texas Constitution chevron_right Agriculture Summary: These comprise Texas' anti-cruelty laws. Texas criminal laws only apply to domesticated animals, such as The Penal Code classifies Possession of Animal by Person Convicted of Animal Cruelty as a Class C misdemeanor, unless the state can chevron_right Parks and Wildlife Code chevron_right Penal Code chevron_right Probate Code chevron_right TEXAS STOCK LAWS BY COUNTY There are two kinds of counties in Texas when it comes to auto/livestock cases. Certain Dogs and Coyotes Prohibited from Running at Large; Criminal Penalty INTRODUCTION Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued an opinion in 2003 stating, "Texas in general still uses open range law for its livestock. Texas Penal Code § 42. Those counties who have adopted “Stock Laws” and those who have not. BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION This chapter contains Texas’s general animal protection and related statutes with an effective date on or before September 1, 2020. Are there any exceptions or exemptions to the animal cruelty laws in Texas? Yes, there are certain exceptions and exemptions to the animal cruelty laws in Texas. It begins with a detailed overview of the provisions contained in 2009 Texas Code AGRICULTURE CODE TITLE 6. 107 of the Texas Penal Code This section makes it a criminal 2019 Texas Statutes Penal Code Title 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency Chapter 42 - Disorderly Conduct and Related Offenses Section 42. ofmglashkraaxiljdrxijxejnvbbckgcpdhpwadohtfgdk