THE TRUTH!

When most people hear the term “Animal Control”, they assume every county has an official department that picks up strays, enforces laws, and protects both animals and the public. The reality, however, is very different—especially here in Hill County, Texas.

Texas Law on Animal Control

Under Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 822, counties are required to designate a “local rabies control authority.” This authority is tasked with enforcing rabies quarantine and public health rules. What the law does not require is a fully funded animal control department to pick up strays, manage dangerous dogs, or handle community-wide overpopulation issues.

This gap leaves many counties—including ours—without the infrastructure to deal with the growing crisis of stray and feral animals.

What Happens Without County Animal Control

When a county has no official animal control:

• Law enforcement officers (sheriff or police) may respond to emergency cases but typically have no shelter, kennels, or staff to manage the volume of animals.
• Stray and feral animals multiply, creating risks of bites, disease transmission, property damage, and tragic roadway accidents.
• Aggressive or dangerous dogs may fall under the “dangerous dog” provisions of Texas law (Health & Safety Code §822.041-047), but enforcement requires private citizens to file reports, attend hearings, and often pay fees—not an easy process.
• Nonprofits and rescues, like Paws Place Rescue, step in where the county cannot. These organizations are community-funded and volunteer-driven, with no government budget to rely on.

The Community Burden

Because Hill County does not operate a county-funded animal control facility, the burden falls on:

• Private rescues and shelters – which are selective based on space, funding, and safety concerns.
• Citizens – who are often left with no option but to rehome pets themselves or rely on out-of-county humane societies.
• Law enforcement – who may have to make difficult calls in urgent, dangerous situations without proper facilities.

This is why community-driven efforts matter so much. Without official county support, the only way to address the stray and feral population is by working together—through spay/neuter programs, responsible rehoming, donations, and volunteer support.

Moving Forward

It’s important for residents to understand:

• Texas law only guarantees rabies control, not full-service animal control.
• Counties can choose to fund and operate animal control, but many—like ours—do not.
• Real solutions will come from community partnerships, civic involvement, and local leadership stepping up to prioritize animal welfare alongside public safety.

Until then, rescues like Paws Place Rescue Inc. will continue to carry the responsibility that, in many places, belongs to a taxpayer-funded department.

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👉 If you want to be part of the solution, please attend our community meet-ups, volunteer, or donate. Together, we can reduce the crisis of stray and feral animals in Hill County.