Honorable Eddie Lucio Jr., Chair, Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1781 by Menéndez (Relating to the euthanasia of animals in animal shelters located in certain counties.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code to prohibit an individual in certain counties from 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.
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.