Livestock Liability Laws in Texas
Why Secure Fencing Matters for Ranch Owners
May 20, 2025
In Texas, the freedom of livestock grazing across wide pastures remains a way of life. But when animals escape a property and cause accidents on nearby roads or highways, landowners can face serious legal and financial consequences.
If you’re a ranch owner in Texas, understanding the connection between your fencing infrastructure and your legal liability is essential, not just for compliance, but for protecting everything you’ve built.
Legal and Financial Risks of Inadequate Fencing
While Texas is still often referred to as an "open range" state, that doesn’t mean ranchers are free from responsibility. Most counties across Texas have enacted local stock laws that require landowners to fence in their animals—especially near public roads and highways.
Even in counties without these laws, courts can still impose liability if a landowner is found to be negligent, such as by failing to maintain or repair damaged fencing.
You May Be Held Liable If:
- Your fence is broken, deteriorated, or inadequate
- Livestock escape and cause a vehicle accident
- You are located in a Texas county with an enforced stock law
- You failed to act after knowing a fence was compromised
The closer your land is to a major roadway or state highway, the greater your responsibility to secure livestock with high-quality, durable fencing.
Legal and Financial Risks of Inadequate Fencing
When livestock such as cattle, horses, or exotic game escape, the consequences can be devastating. In many cases, ranch owners are held responsible for:
- Personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits
- Vehicle and property damage claims
- Fines from local law enforcement
- Higher insurance premiums or dropped coverage
- Long-term legal battles that drain time and resources
For ranches with large herds or high-value animals, these risks demand a proactive approach.
How Fred Nuncio Fencing Helps You Stay Protected
At Fred Nuncio Fencing & Construction, we’ve helped Texas landowners prevent livestock escapes and protect their legal standing since 1995. Our team builds long-lasting, low-maintenance fencing that stands up to the Texas climate—and the scrutiny of modern liability laws.
Our Solutions Include:
- High-tensile and pipe fencing for maximum livestock containment
- Game-proof fencing for exotic animal operations
- Enhanced security fencing near roadways to reduce risk
- Remote-controlled gates for easy access and modern management
- Routine fence line clearing and maintenance to ensure integrity
These solutions not only reduce your exposure to legal claims, but also help you comply with county-level livestock ordinances and maintain your ranch’s value for future generations.
This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws regarding livestock liability and fencing requirements vary by county and can change over time. Ranch and landowners should consult with a qualified attorney or legal professional familiar with Texas agricultural and property law to address specific legal concerns or liabilities. Fred Nuncio Fencing does not provide legal services or legal representation.
Schedule a Property Risk Assessment
A single broken fence line can lead to months (or even years) of legal headaches. That’s why we offer free on-site consultations to assess your existing fencing and recommend improvements based on your location, terrain, and livestock type.
Frequently Asked Questions: Livestock Liability and Fencing Laws in Texas
For Texas ranchers, questions around legal responsibilities and fencing requirements come up often, especially when managing cattle, horses, or exotic animals near roadways or neighboring properties. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns our team hears from ranch and landowners across the state.
It depends on your county. While Texas is traditionally an open range state, many counties have passed local stock laws that require landowners to fence in livestock. If you're unsure about your area, contact your local county clerk or let Fred Nuncio Fencing help you review your fencing obligations during a site consultation.
Yes. If your livestock escapes and causes an accident—particularly near a highway, you can be held legally liable for injuries, property damage, or fatalities. Liability is especially likely if your fencing is shown to be broken, inadequate, or poorly maintained.
High-tensile wire fencing, pipe fencing, and game-proof enclosures are top choices for ranchers needing maximum durability and security. Fred Nuncio Fencing specializes in solutions tailored to the type of animals you raise and the terrain you manage—especially near roads or public access points.
You have a legal and ethical duty to repair it promptly. Failing to address damaged fencing can be seen as negligence in the eyes of the law. Fred Nuncio Fencing offers maintenance and fence line clearing services to help you stay ahead of costly risks.
Each Texas county may have different enforcement standards. Our team stays informed on local ordinances and offers free property assessments to evaluate your current fencing against legal and safety standards. We'll let you know what improvements—if any—are needed.