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Commissioners approve county order banning roadside sale of live animals in unincorporated areas
Summary
Following an update to state statute, Hidalgo County Commissioners approved an order prohibiting roadside sale of live animals in unincorporated areas to address animal welfare and public-safety concerns. The court clarified the order covers sales on right-of-way and roadside parking areas, not enclosed flea markets inside city limits.
The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court approved an order prohibiting the roadside sale of live animals within the county’s unincorporated areas after staff presented changes to the state statute that removed a prior speed‑limit limitation.
County staff told the court the statutory change eliminated language that had limited enforcement to roads with posted speed limits of 40 mph or greater; the revised statute therefore allows counties to address vendor activity on easements and rights‑of‑way more broadly. The order passed on a voice vote; court staff clarified the rule applies to unincorporated roadside locations and parking‑lot sales adjacent to roadways, not necessarily enclosed flea‑market facilities within incorporated cities.
Speakers representing animal‑welfare organizations had urged the court to take county‑level action and emphasized spay/neuter and affordable veterinary services as longer‑term solutions to reduce stray animals. Paws for Help and other groups presented letters of support signed by multiple city councils and businesses, and the court approved the order with a motion and voice vote.
The order directs county staff and law enforcement to implement the prohibition within the unincorporated county and coordinate with municipalities and community partners on outreach and enforcement. Commissioners said educational and sterilization efforts should be paired with enforcement to reduce the overall number of animals needing placement or care.
