Livestock / Fencing
Brazoria County Is Closed Range — You Must Fence In Your Livestock
Brazoria County voted in 1938 to become closed range, which means livestock owners are legally responsible for keeping their animals fenced in — not out.
Texas defaults to open range, meaning livestock can legally roam unless a county or area has adopted a stock law making it closed range. Brazoria County adopted a stock law by vote in 1938, making the entire county closed range. If you own livestock in Brazoria County, you must maintain fences that contain your animals on your property.
If your livestock get out and cause damage or an accident, you as the owner can be held liable under closed-range rules. In open-range counties, the person who does not want livestock on their land bears more of the burden for fencing them out.
This matters for anyone buying rural land who plans to keep horses, cattle, goats, or other livestock. Review fencing requirements and consult an attorney if needed. The Texas AgriLife Extension service publishes guides on Texas fence law at agrilife.org.
Source to confirm: Texas AgriLife — Texas Fence Law: Open Range or Not? (Part 1)