If you find a stray animal in Texas, you have specific legal responsibilities that are guided by both state and local laws. These obligations are designed to protect the rights of pet owners and ensure the welfare of the animal.
Legal Steps to Take When You Find a Stray Animal
Report the Stray to Local Authorities or Animal Shelter
Upon finding a stray animal, your first step should be to contact the nearest animal shelter or animal control agency.
Texas law empowers local jurisdictions to regulate the handling of stray animals, and most cities and counties require that stray animals be reported and surrendered to these authorities.
This process helps ensure that the animal is scanned for a microchip or checked for identification tags, which can quickly reunite the animal with its owner.
Attempt to Locate the Owner
While waiting for animal control or taking the animal to a shelter, you are encouraged to make reasonable efforts to locate the owner. This can include posting notices on community boards, social media, or contacting local veterinarians who can scan for a microchip.
Texas law considers dogs and cats to be personal property, so retaining a stray animal without attempting to find the owner can be legally problematic and may constitute theft.
Understand the Impoundment Period
Once a stray animal is turned over to a shelter or animal control, it will be held for a minimum period (commonly three days, but this varies by city or county) to allow the owner time to reclaim their pet.
After this impoundment period expires without an owner coming forward, the animal typically becomes the property of the shelter and may be made available for adoption, foster care, or, in unfortunate cases, humane euthanasia if it is sick, injured, or unadoptable.
Legal Consequences of Not Following Procedures
If you choose to keep a stray animal without following local regulations—such as not reporting the find or not making reasonable attempts to locate the owner—you could be subject to legal consequences. Texas law treats animals as property, and failing to follow proper procedures may be considered theft or unlawful appropriation.
Summary Table
| Step | Legal Responsibility in Texas |
|---|---|
| Report to Shelter/Control | Required by most local ordinances |
| Attempt to Find Owner | Encouraged and expected |
| Impoundment Period | Varies by city/county (often 3 days) |
| Adoption After Impoundment | Possible if owner does not reclaim animal |
| Ignoring Procedures | May result in theft charges |
Additional Considerations
Animals with ID or Microchip: Animals with visible identification or a microchip are often reunited with their owners more quickly and may not need to enter the shelter system.
Local Ordinances: Always check your specific city or county’s animal control ordinances for exact requirements and procedures.
Humane Treatment: While impounding and holding periods are in place, Texas law also requires humane treatment and care for stray animals.
In summary, if you find a stray animal in Texas, you are legally responsible for reporting it to local authorities, making reasonable efforts to find the owner, and following the impoundment and adoption procedures as set by your local jurisdiction. Failing to do so can have legal consequences.
Sources:
- https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-stray-dog/
- https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/law-and-life/if-i-find-a-stray-animal-can-i-keep-it/
- https://rescuedoghome.com/stray-dogs-texas/
- https://kfyo.com/when-does-a-stray-dog-you-found-become-legally-yours-in-texas/