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Hays County, Texas Information for the News Media Media Contact: 512-393-2296/Laureen.Chernow@co.hays.tx.us |
February 21, 2012
Hays County Commissioners Court Reviews, Requests Changes
to Animal Control Ordinance
Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court today suspended for one week Section 10.1d of the Hays County Animal Control Ordinance that requires a dog known to have killed livestock, domestic animals or fowl to itself be humanely destroyed.
The Court instructed Assistant District Attorney Mark Kennedy, Chief of the Civil Division, to propose changes to the ordinance that will provide due process for the owners of a dog accused of killing livestock, including domestic animals or fowl. The changes are expected to be presented to the Court at its next meeting on February 28.
The Court also instructed Hays County Animal Control officers, part of the Sheriff’s Office, to transport dogs accused of killing livestock to the San Marcos Animal Shelter and board them at the owners’ expense until the Court formally adopts changes rather than immediately have the animal destroyed.
Under State Law, property owners continue to have the right to kill dogs or coyotes caught on the premises killing or attempting to kill or harass livestock.
The change to the ordinance is intended to help resolve issues in a county that is becoming increasingly suburbanized while continuing to protect the rights of farmers and ranchers whose investments may be eroded by dogs roaming at large.
Mr. Kennedy indicated that he would offer proposed changes that would be made available to the public by 5 p.m. Friday, February 24, when the Court’s agenda and backup information is typically posted to the Hays County website at www.co.hays.tx.us.
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The Hays County Courthouse is located at 111 E. San Antonio Street, on the square in San Marcos, TX. The new Hays County Government Center, home to many area County offices and the judicial courts, is located at 712 South Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos. See www.co.hays.tx.us for more information and directions.