31 Tex. Admin. Code § 69.305 - Facility Standards

(a) All live birds or animals possessed under an educational display permit, or under a zoological collection permit in a facility that is not accredited by the AZA shall be kept in enclosures meeting or exceeding the standards set forth in this section.

(b) The minimum cage sizes for mammals and reptiles shall be as follows. An enclosure for mammals shall add 30% of the minimum cage requirement for each additional mammal contained in the enclosure. For each:

(1) pronghorn antelope--2,500 square feet x 8 feet in height;

(2) deer--1,800 square feet x 8 feet in height;

(3) desert bighorn sheep--500 square feet x 8 feet in height;

(4) black bear--400 square feet x 12 feet in height;

(5) jaguar--200 square feet x 8 feet in height;

(6) fox--180 square feet x 5 feet in height;

(7) wolf--150 square feet x 8 feet in height;

(8) javelina--120 square feet x 5 feet in height;

(9) other felines--100 square feet x 8 feet in height;

(10) fur-bearing animals as defined by Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 71 (except fox)--72 square feet x 5 feet in height; and

(11) all other mammals--24 square feet.

(c) The minimum cage sizes for alligators shall be as follows. For each alligator:

(1) the length and width of the cage shall be at least as long as the length of the largest alligator in the cage; and

(2) for each additional alligator, an additional three square feet of enclosure space per foot of body length; and

(3) there shall be access to pooled water sufficient to provide full immersion and dry land sufficient to permit complete exit from the water.

(d) The minimum cage sizes for birds shall be as follows:

(1) raptors (excluding eagles, screech owls, and kestrels)--10 feet x 10 feet x 12 feet;

(2) eagles--20 feet x 40 feet x 12 feet; and

(3) all other birds, including screech owls and kestrels--6 feet x 6 feet x 12 feet.

(e) Enclosures must be constructed in such a manner that prevents escape. Enclosures housing birds must be lined with nylon or plastic netting.

(f) A facility shall ensure that:

(1) each enclosure is supplied with clean water at all times, except as medical circumstance dictates otherwise;

(2) authorized personnel observe and provide care for birds and animals daily, except as specifically authorized by permit; and

(3) all medical treatment of animals is performed in consultation with a licensed veterinarian.

(g) The department at its discretion may inspect any facility at reasonable times to assess compliance with the provisions of this subchapter.

Notes

31 Tex. Admin. Code § 69.305

The provisions of this §69.305 adopted to be effective August 26, 1997, 22 TexReg 7901; amended to be effective April 23, 2001, 26 TexReg 3028; Amended by Texas Register, Volume 50, Number 12, March 21, 2025, TexReg 2079, eff. 3/24/2025