Commissioners seek clarity after Humane Society restricts intake of strays; county reviews options

Commissioner Beauchamp told the Wichita County Commissioners Court on May 16 that a constituent reported the Humane Society turned away a stray animal, saying it would only accept animals it deemed adoptable. “They no longer take strays unless they are adoptable,” Beauchamp said, and asked where county residents should direct animals that are abandoned on county roads.

Court members reviewed the county’s prior agreement with the Humane Society. Beauchamp and staff told the court that the last contract the county had with the Humane Society for care of stray animals dated to 2016 and that the agreement was written to handle stray livestock the sheriff could drop off. The 2016 agreement included an automatic two‑year renewal clause and was contingent on appropriation of funds for any county financial obligations.

County officials discussed options for residents who find strays. Several commissioners and staff noted the county has an estray fund that has been used to cover law‑enforcement related animal care costs. One participant said stray‑related spend was about $3,500 last year; officials did not produce a current detailed tally in the meeting and said more follow‑up is needed.

The court explored alternatives: reopening talks with the Humane Society about limited intake or reimbursement, asking the city or the county health district to assist on a case‑by‑case basis, and contacting nearby municipalities such as Iowa Park, which operates a larger shelter facility. Commissioners also discussed disposal and euthanasia costs for animals and noted that the county previously paid for private animal housing before arranging Humane Society services.

Court members asked staff to open discussions with the Humane Society and the health district to clarify intake policies, potential reimbursement arrangements and any public‑health responsibilities. No new contract or appropriation was approved at the meeting.

Commissioners also raised public‑safety and legal concerns: one commissioner said that abandoning domestic animals on county roads is illegal and that enforcement options exist, while the health district’s rabies authority would apply in cases suggesting public‑health risk. Staff will report back with options for county guidance to residents and potential contract or funding approaches.