LIVESTOCK / ESTRAYS
TO REPORT LOOSE LIVESTOCK PLEASE CONTACT DISPATCH AT 936 336-4500 ext. 1
Livestock/Estray Office is responsible for transporting, selling and filing notice of livestock. The general procedure once livestock is impounded by the Sheriff's Office, the Sheriff's designees make a diligent search for the identity of the owner of the estray, including a search in the County register of recorded brands, if the animal has an identifiable brand. If the search does not reveal the owner, a Notice Of Impound Of Estray is filed at the County Clerk's Office, in a newspaper and or on the internet website for at least 15 days after the date of impoundment.
When estray is redeemed by owner, in a reasonable time (within 18 days) a redemption payment (reasonable amount for maintenance and damages) will be collected, and estray released to owner.
Estray not redeemed by owner within the 18 days, will be sold at livestock auction.
Note: Owner may recover possession of Estray at any time before sale if owner provides an Affidavit of Ownership.
CONTACT INFORMATION
LIVESTOCK IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
In an effort to more quickly identify and return loose livestock to their owners, the Liberty County Sheriff's Office is now offering a program that will allow people to register their domesticated animals with the agency. Livestock owners who have animals like horses, cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, emus, and pigs can register them with LCSO. In the event that an animal escapes the owner's property, a responding deputy will be able to immediately look up the registered owner's address and contact information. The registration process takes only a few minutes, registrants must provide name and phone number along with the number and type of animals (and any additional identifying information, such as tags and branding) located on their property and any photos they may have of them. Click the LS Owner gate program link below for the registration form, fill out and return to LCSO. An implement log link has also been added for your convenience. The log will allow you to keep records of all your equipment and serial numbers together for easy access in the event of theft or loss
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What are the fees for Estrays?
A.
-
Hauling fee $175.00
-
Plus Additional $125.00 Per Additional Cowboy
-
-
Feed $15.00 per day per head
-
Advertising (varies)
-
Collection Fee $25.00.
Q.What if the owner disagrees with amount of fees?
A.If owner disagrees with amount, owner may file petition with JP.
Q.What if owner comes forward to claim Estray after sale?
A.Within 180 days from the date of sale, the original owner of the estray may recover net proceed of sale if owner provides:
-
Affidavit of Ownership
-
Sheriff has approved Affidavit
-
Approved Affidavit has been filed with County Clerk's Office
-
Sheriff has signed County Voucher directing payment