Approval to start the process of creating a County Animal Control Division
County Commissioner Mariano Pargas proposed to the Uvalde County Commissioners Court this morning the Court consider and act upon the concept creating a county animal control division.
“What I’d like to do today is to get the approval to start the process to get more information on what is required to create one,” Pargas said
Pargas continued by saying he had reached out to Heather Stunkel and Judge Kimble with the Humane Society. He also stated that Medina and Atascosa Counties have built new animal shelters.
“It’s become a big problem. I think a lot of times we calls about the animals We have no authority right now to pick up strays,” Pargas said. He went onto say he wanted to bring the issue up as the new budget is coming up.”
“There definitely is a stray dog problem in Uvalde County especially in Uvalde Estates,” Diana Olvedo-Karau said to the court as she addressed the court.
“Our animals need help. It is a health and safety issue,” Karau said.
Heather Stunkel was invited to speak by Judge Mitchell. “I’m current vice president of BARK formerly HSU,” she said.
“This has been an ongoing issue and it is going to be a huge undertaking. “We are overwhelmed with calls every from the County,” she said.
“On September 22, 2022, my daughter was attacked by two unrestrained dogs,” Knippa resident Monica Martinez told the Court. “There is no control of the pet population. Dogs also get dumped.” she said.
“There is only so much we can do as residents,” Martinez said.
According to Pargas, he would serve on the newly created committee along with Heather Stunkel, Judge Kelley Kimble and Sheriff Ruben Nolasco.
