Rule 640.Levy on Stock Running at Large
Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 640 lets an officer levy on livestock running at large on a range, which cannot be herded and penned without great inconvenience and expense, by designating a reasonable estimate of the number and brands.
Full Text of Rule 640
A levy upon livestock running at large in a range, and which cannot be herded and penned without great inconvenience and expense, may be made by designating by reasonable estimate the number of animals and describing them by their marks and brands, or either; such levy shall be made in the presence of two or more credible persons, and notice thereof shall be given in writing to the owner or his herder or agent, if residing within the county and known to the officer.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 640 handles range livestock. A levy on livestock running at large in a range, which cannot be herded and penned without great inconvenience and expense, may be made by designating — by a reasonable estimate — the number, brands, and description of the animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you levy on cattle running on a range in Texas?
By designating a reasonable estimate of their number and brands (Rule 640).
Does the officer have to round up range cattle before levying on them in Texas?
No. Rule 640 lets the officer levy by a reasonable estimate of the number of animals and their marks and brands, since herding and penning range stock would cost too much and cause too much trouble.
Who has to witness a levy on livestock running at large?
Rule 640 requires the levy to be made in the presence of two or more credible persons, with written notice to the owner, herder, or agent if known and within the county.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 640), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov).
Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: levy on stock running at largerange livestock levyTRCP 640levy on cattle by estimaterange cattle brands levy