Livestock Unit

The unit was established in 1973 and serves all 1,778 square miles of Harris County. The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the law enforcement of livestock by statute. The unit consists of one sergeant and six deputies. Their responsibilities include the enforcement of livestock laws, neglect, cruelty, and the abandonment of livestock or strays. The unit’s main purpose is to protect the citizens of Harris County from property and personal damage stemming from stray livestock (domestic and exotic). The unit responded to 1,486 calls for service in 2021.

Livestock is defined as domestic hoofed mammals such as cows, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, etc. Exotic livestock includes zebras, llamas, emus, ostrich, and peacocks to name a few. The HCSO Livestock Unit is the ONLY police authority allowed to impound stray livestock in Harris County per the Texas Agriculture Code, Section 142.

All livestock animals impounded must be held for eighteen (18) days unless the owner comes forward and claims it. At the expiration of the 18 days, the livestock can only be sold at auction or donated to a non-profit animal rescue organization. Per state law, the Sheriff’s Office cannot sell or donate animals to individuals.

In addition to locating owners and/or im‐pounding livestock, deputies are responsible for the care of impounded livestock. This in‐cludes housing, feeding, and veterinary care. Deputies assigned to the Livestock Unit must maintain the barns, pens, fences, and fields/ pastures where the animals are kept. Livestock deputies also construct and/or repair various structures that house impounded animals and must have light mechanical skills required for ranching and maintaining farm equipment.