Animal Control

One of the responsibilities of the ACO is to enforce all city codes and ordinances pertaining to animals. Below is a list of common animal control violations. If a pet owner is found to be in violation of one or more of these offenses, then the ACO may issue the pet owner a citation.

Common Animal Control Violations

• Animal at large (Running loose)

• No current rabies vaccination (4 months and older)

• Keeping more than 4 dogs or 4 cats or combination thereof, over 4 months of age

• Animal Nuisance (Animal depositing body waste on property other than that of the owners, animal making loud, continuous or untimely barking causing the peace and quiet of the neighborhood to be disturbed.

When a pet is brought in by Animal Control for impoundment, the ACO will check the pet for an identification tag, a rabies tag and/or a microchip. If any of these forms of identification are found, then reasonable effort will be made by the ACO to contact the owner, however, final responsibility for location of an impounded animal is that of the owner. Once the pet is identified, the owner will need to come in to City Hall to provide proof of current rabies vaccination, pay the impoundment fees and reclaim the pet.

Impoundment fees are as follows:

• $45 Same day fee (per each animal)

• $10 Handling fee for every day, or fraction thereof, that the animal is at the animal shelter

If an impounded animal does not have tags or a microchip, per city ordinance, the pet will be placed on a required minimum 72-hour hold. Once the pet has passed the required hold period and has not been claimed by the owner, the pet becomes the property of the city. The pet may then be transferred to a rescue organization or be humanely euthanized.

If you have lost or found a pet, please call Animal Control at 806-495-2811 ext. 105 and leave a detailed message.

Animal Control will call you back as soon as possible during business hours.

If you are having a problem with wildlife nuisance animals, you can remove them in a safe and humane way.

The city has animal traps available to assist you in capturing these animals. These animals may include:

• Feral cats

• Possums

• Raccoons

• Skunks

Submitting a Trap Request Form

 You will need to come in to City Hall during business hours and fill out an Animal Trap Request form or click here Animal Trap Form. Once the form is completed, arrangements will be made to have a trap delivered to your residence.

Setting Up the Trap

The ACO may assist you with setting the trap, if required. The traps must be set up in a side or back yard only.

Traps may not be set up in front yards due to adult / child safety hazards and theft issues. All residents who use the traps are responsible for the safe and humane treatment of the wildlife while in their care. Do not set traps up on Fridays, as the ACO may not be available.

Trap Removal

Once the nuisance animal has been trapped, contact Animal Control to remove the trap and the live animal from your property. If you have wildlife or insect issues inside of your home, such as a racoon in the attic or a bee nest in the eaves, contact a pest control company for assistance.