In Texas, it is a crime to abandon a pet without making any accommodations for it. After adopting a pet, various circumstances can come up that prevent the person from taking care of it. It is understandable.
However, it is illegal to simply leave an animal on the side of the road.
Texas Penal Code 42.092 – Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals
(1) “Abandon” includes abandoning an animal in the person‘s custody without making reasonable arrangements for assumption of custody by another person.
(2) “Animal” means a domesticated living creature, including any stray or feral cat or dog, and a wild living creature previously captured. The term does not include an uncaptured wild living creature or a livestock animal.
(3) “Cruel manner” includes a manner that causes or permits unjustified or unwarranted pain or suffering.
Here are options when you can no longer keep your pet:
1. Ask a family or friend to adopt from you- advertising or using social media not recommended.
2. Ask the Veterinarian to assist with possible rescue organizations.
3. Contact the Animal Shelter during normal business hours to arrange drop off.
4. After hours, contact the Police Department for assistance (last resort)
This beautiful puppy pictured was left at the animal shelter door recently. In the past an animal was left at the shelter in a cage and perished due to environmental conditions.
We can work together to ensure all our furry friends get a chance to have a new family, while still abiding by the law.
If you have any questions, please contact The Colony Animal Shelter.