Our Estray Unit protects all livestock from harm, theft or from roaming at large. We will enforce all applicable laws to safeguard the welfare of the public and the livestock with particular emphasis on the Livestock Laws of the State of Texas and the Texas Agriculture Code.
The Texas Agriculture code defines "Estray" as stray livestock, stray exotic livestock, or stray exotic fowl. Loose livestock or estrays are a major concern in Travis County. The estray problem creates a danger of property damage and even death on our roadways. With the continual growth in population, and more cars on the roadways, the problem continues to grow. The Texas Legislature has assigned the duties to the Sheriff of each county to deal with the problem.
Running at Large on Highway Prohibited
A person who owns or has responsibility for the control of a horse, mule, donkey, cow, bull, hog, sheep or goat, may not knowingly permit the animal to traverse or roam at large, unattended, on the right-of-way of a highway.
Discovery of an Estray & The Duty to Report
If a citizen discovers livestock on his/her property, without their permission, they must report the presence of the estray to the Sheriff’s Office as soon as reasonably possible. It is then our responsibility to attempt to identify the owner of the animal and notify them for recovery, except that if it is determined that the estray is dangerous to the public, then the estray may be immediately impounded.
File Online Report for Missing Livestock
Impounded Animals
Impounded animals by the Sheriff’s Office are not for sale or adoption. Please visit René Bates Auctioneers to inquire about animals available for auction.
Please contact our Estray deputies to claim your missing livestock:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 512-854-7428 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 512-854-7429
| Date | Livestock | Seized Address | Case# |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/31/23 | Red Steer | FM 812 Rd / Elroy Rd. | 23-1510505 |
| 05/24/23 | Black Bull | 14914 FM 812 Rd. | 23-1440633 |
Animal Cruelty
You can file a report on Animal Cruelty by calling 512-974-0845, Option 3.
We investigate animal cruelty cases in violation of Penal Code: 42.09 and sub chapters. Penal Code 42.09 covers cruelty to livestock, attacks on assistance animals and cruelty to non-livestock animals.
Investigations cover animal abusers, abusive animal breeders and animal hoarders who fail to take care of their pets.
We do not investigate dangerous animals, animals at large, nuisance animals or animal bites. For more information on reporting these incidents, as well as leash laws, please visit Animal Control Services.