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Midland County receives new county animal-control report; officer urges policy changes to address large numbers of stray dogs
Summary
The county's newly reported animal-control activity shows steady call volume and several challenging cases, including an incident involving 15 dogs. The animal-control officer urged the court to consider a policy framework and resources to address stray animals in unincorporated areas.
Jordan, the county animal-control officer, told the commissioners on Feb. 21 that since taking the post in October she has handled dozens of calls monthly, including loose livestock, bite reports and stray-dog cases. She reported 38 calls in October, 46 in November, 43 in December and 25 so far in January, and described outreach work attempting to rehome or place animals not suited to shelters.
Nut graf: Jordan said the county lacks a leash law and limited shelter capacity constrains the office's ability to take in animals; she described a recent case involving 15 dogs that required coordination with city animal shelter partners and outside contractors. She asked the commissioners to consider county-level policy changes and to allow staff to gather model policies from Texas organizations and neighboring counties.
Details and discussion: Jordan said many calls are advisory because Midland County has no ordinance requiring animals to be kept on private property; deputies and contractors assist when animals must be collected. She described attempts to place large guardian-breed dogs with specialty programs and rescues; two of the dogs from one case were taken to the city shelter and, per Jordan, were euthanized after staff determined the animals were dog-aggressive. The office has engaged contractors for livestock pickup and Kentucky-style rehoming channels when appropriate.
Commissioners and law-enforcement speakers noted the practical limits: limited facility space, staffing constraints and lack of county authority to require registration or contain stray animals absent an election to adopt an animal-registration ordinance. Jordan said she can research model policies and resource partnerships; she mentioned the Texas Humane Educators and other county animal-control associations as possible resources for policy drafting and training.
Ending: Commissioners acknowledged the report and asked staff to collect policy examples and cost estimates for potential county action; court members discussed the feasibility of seeking outside funding or partnerships rather than immediate ordinance changes.
