HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7083 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No, 7083
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council January 7, 1986
Subject: RESPONSIBILITY FOR CAPTURE OF LIVESTOCK
Background
Although Texas law (Vernon's Texas Codes Annotated, Agricultural Code, Chap-
ter 142, Estrays) provides that the County Sheriff's Department is responsi-
ble for the capture of stray livestock , the Animal Control Division of the
City of Fort Worth Public Health Department has performed this function for
many years.
When a new Sheriff took office in January, 1985, the Public Health Director
and representatives of the City Manager's Office began to discuss the trans-
fer of this responsibility to the Sheriff's Department. At various times
during the last year, the Sheriff and members of his staff responded posi-
tively, and no funds were included in the Health Department's 1985-86 budget
to support this service. Then, in November, the Sheriff informed Health
Department officials that the County would not provide funds for him to take
over the livestock control function, and that he did not plan to assume the
responsibility.
Financial Implications
Because the Health Department does not have equipment or qualified personnel
to handle this function, when notified of stray livestock Health Department
personnel respond to calls and when there is a problem, a contract hauler is
dispatched to capture, transport and impound the animals. Although fees are
collected on reclaimed animals ($50 plus $5 per day per head)., some animals
are not reclaimed and their auction price does not cover the total cost of
handling. During November and December, 1985, Animal Control staff responded
to 15 large animals calls at an expense of $7,000. Less than one-half of
this amount has been recovered. If the Council determines that the City
should continue to respond to stray livestock complaints, a supplemental
appropriation to the Health Department budget of $40,000 will be required and
will be submitted next week for your approval . An increase in fees also will
be proposed.
Council direction on this matter is requested.
Doug4 Harman
City Manager
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�ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS