Honorable Eddie Lucio Jr., Chair, Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1781 by Menéndez (Relating to euthanasia as a last resort in a county or municipal animal shelter in certain counties.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code to prohibit the euthanizing of an animal if there is an empty cage, kennel or other environment in a shelter to safely place the animal. The bill provides exceptions.
Local Government Impact
The cost to a local government would depend on the number of stray animals in an area, the amount of kennel and shelter space, and other resources of an entity.
The City of El Paso reported no fiscal impact is anticipated.
According to Texas Association of Counties, Denton County does not operate an animal center, however the City of Denton contracts with the county to provide the sheltering of strays that the Sheriff's office picks up. Denton County reported no significant fiscal impact is anticipated. In addition, euthanasia as a last resort is the current policy of the City of Denton Animal Shelter with only 15% of the animals placed in shelter not relocated to new homes.
According to Texas Association of Counties, El Paso County reported 2,428 animals were picked up by the Sheriff's office in the unincorporated areas of the county last year. These animals spent an average of three days in shelter prior to being adopted, returned to owner, or euthanized. Approximately 95% of the animals were euthanized. The county reported every additional day in shelter is $10 and the cost to euthanize an animal is $16.