Jasper County Sheriff’s Office asks for cooperation: Keep dogs on your property

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Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard is asking for the public’s help in addressing an increase in calls about loose and roaming dogs across Jasper County.

While we are a rural county, dog owners are still responsible for keeping their animals on their own property, especially if the dog is known to run, worry, or kill livestock, domestic animals, or fowl.

Under Texas Health & Safety Code § 822.012:

• It is illegal for a dog (or coyote) known to harm livestock or domestic animals to run at large

• Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $100

• Each incident of a dog running loose counts as a separate offense

Bottom line: If your neighbors don’t want your dog on their property, please make sure your dog stays on yours.

Deputies are currently spending a significant amount of time responding to dog-related calls—time that should be spent patrolling neighborhoods and being proactive in the community. While the Sheriff does not want deputies issuing citations, citations will be written if people choose not to comply with the law.

As always, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the public’s cooperation.