Humane Society of Erath County

The Erath County Humane Society is a very active influence in the county offering shelter to homeless and unwanted animals. There is no charge for bringing in animals that live within the county but all donations to the organization are very much appreciated. There is a small charge for animals that are brought in from outside the county boundaries; $25 per animal over 3 months old; $25 per litter under 3 months of age.

All dogs and cats adopted from the shelter must be neutered within a reasonable period of time, depending upon the age of the animal. This is in accordance with state law. Other requirements coincide with those ordinances on the books of the city of Stephenville such as vaccinations, tags, number of pets in the household, etc. Stephenville Police Department employs two officers to enforce those regulations.

Law enforcement agencies work with shelter employees and volunteers to bring charges against anyone who cruelly mistreats or improperly cares for animals in their custody.

The ECHS was organized on September 16, 1976 and is a chartered, non-profit corporation. The first shelter was the city pound to which the humane society added a small wooden building.

During 1977, ECHS began to do cruelty investigations of animals, particularly staged dog fights. During the following session of the state legislature, a bill co-sponsored by Senator Bob Glasgow, Stephenville, was passed making this practice a felony in the state of Texas.

In November of 1984 a climate controlled animal shelter was completed. The 40 by 16 foot building was constructed by a local contractor and cost $17,500 the cost of which, was donated by private citizens and businesses, with the help of fund raisers.

ECHS works together with the city of Stephenville and the County government in controlling the animal population and in this area. Monetary support for the shelter includes $17,000 annually from the city of Stephenville and $18,000 from the county. ECHS owns and maintains the two buildings constructed on the property, the second structure having been completed in 1992. The humane society employs two full time workers at the shelter. They are assisted from time to time with the help of volunteers and some individuals doing public service.

The city has two salaried officers who make investigations inside the city limits concerning animal welfare. They are also responsible for capturing and bringing strays to the shelter. Animals are then processed by the shelter director. Animals not reclaimed nor adopted are humanely euthanized after a period of time.

The Erath County Humane Society is governed with by-laws and a board of six directors consisting of the immediate past-president and six directors elected by majority vote for terms of two years. Three members are chosen at once in alternating years. The officers for the organization are elected each year at the annual meeting in September. They are a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. They meet with the directors every other month.

The animal shelter is located on East Road (Hwy 281) south of the intersection of 377 loop, near the airport entrance. The facility is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 3:00, Saturday 10:00 to 1:00. Closed on Sundays and Holidays. Contributions may be made in person at the shelter or mailed to PO Box 2006. There are currently 30 regular members and 37 lifetime members. Lifetime memberships in the ECHS are $150.00 one time fee with yearly dues being $15.00 each.

Note: PO Boxes will not show correctly on the map below.