Animal Control answers calls regarding estray livestock, dangerous dogs, and persons bitten by any animal. Animal Control also assists the Patrol Division and other divisions within the Lubbock Sheriff’s Office as needed. These deputies can serve on special teams, including the Tactical Operations Unit and Honor Guard. Animal Control Deputies attend a Basic and Advanced Animal Control Course. In addition to their academy training, Animal Control Deputies are required to attend in-service training to keep current on changing laws and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) required training.
Estray Livestock
Animal Control is responsible for stray horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and many other livestock animals. This livestock is found on a roadway or private property. Animal Control Deputies may seize the animals and transport them to a veterinarian for safe-keeping, until the animals are either picked up by the owner or sold at auction.
Livestock owners who are missing their livestock are encouraged to monitor the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Facebook Page and the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Phone App. Notice of any found livestock is posted in these locations, as well as information about livestock sales when their owners cannot be identified and contacted. State Law prohibits the Sheriff’s Office from giving unsold animals to individuals.
Animal Bites
When an animal bite occurs, the animal is located and placed in quarantine status for ten days to observe for signs of rabies. This can be a home quarantine or an off-site quarantine, depending on the circumstances of the event. Lubbock County does not have a leash law; therefore, stray dogs are not picked up unless they have been previously labeled as a dangerous dog under the Texas Health and Safety Code Section 822.0421.
Sheriff’s Office: