Commissioners approve new county animal regulations

Commissioners Court Monday voted unanimously to approve a new set of county-wide animal regulations with the hope of reducing the number of feral animals and rabies cases in the Borderland.

The new regulations will require pet owners to register cats or dogs with the county or the municipality they live in. It would not impact El Paso pet owners already subject to city regulations and ordinances.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office currently handles animal control in unincorporated areas of the county. In the near future, it may take over enforcement in smaller towns within the county.

Registration fees for providing that service would go towards reducing the feral animal population with spay/neuter and release programs.

The hope is to reduce how many pets are put down in the county each year and be more in line with the City of El Paso’s mission of becoming a “no-kill” city.

“It is just unconscionable that our community puts 25,000 animals to death every year,” said County Judge Veronica Escobar. “So we’re trying to do everything we can, legally, within the confines of the law, to change that.”

The sheriff’s office said the ownership of “dangerous wild animals” like coyotes, wolves, and bobcats will also be prohibited under the new ordinance.

Most provisions will go into effect in November. The registration requirement will start in October 2017.