The SPCA of Texas has notified the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and the Ellis County Commissioners' Court of its intent to terminate its contract for animal sheltering services, effective April 15, 2025. The notification, sent on January 14, 2025, impacts the SPCA’s facility at 2570 FM Road 878 in Waxahachie, which has served Ellis County since June 2020.
The SPCA of Texas provided essential services to Ellis County’s animal control operations, accepting animals from unincorporated areas as well as multiple cities, including Alma, Bardwell, Ennis, Ferris, Garrett, Italy, Maypearl, Milford, Palmer, Pecan Hill, and Venus. However, the volume of incoming animals consistently exceeded the shelter’s capacity, leading to ongoing concerns.
In response to the contract termination, the Ellis County Commissioners' Court has voted to rescind the existing animal control order, which was originally enacted in 1996 and has been revised over time. The county’s population has grown from approximately 94,000 in 1996 to an estimated 235,910 today, increasing the number of homeless and stray animals.
Currently, Ellis County animal control officers bring an average of five canines to the shelter each day. Officers employ various strategies to reunite lost pets with their owners, including microchip scanning and social media outreach. Local residents have also played a role in assisting with homeless animals.
Until a new animal control order is established, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will continue enforcing Texas state laws regarding animal welfare, including:
- Health & Safety Code, Chapter 821 – Governing the treatment of animals and authorizing seizure in cases of cruelty.
- Health & Safety Code, Chapter 822 – Addressing dangerous dogs that attack or cause serious injury.
- Health & Safety Code, Chapter 821, Subchapter E – Establishing penalties for unlawful dog restraint.
- Health & Safety Code, Chapter 826 – The Rabies Control Act of 1981, mandating vaccination requirements.
- Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 169 – Regulating rabies control and quarantine procedures.
The Ellis County Commissioners' Court and Sheriff’s Office have acknowledged the challenges presented by the SPCA's departure and are seeking input from the public. Residents with questions or suggestions can contact Sgt. Brad Elliott at 972-825-4957 or animalcontrol@elliscounty.texas.gov.
