Texas Case Studies As Examples of Best practices 

Understanding how others have tackled this issue can provide a roadmap for changing public perception ​

Case Studies - Local efforts of other Texas jurisdictions
​as case studies to increase adoptions and reduce kill rates
​​

Various approaches in other Texas municipalities can offer best practices and insights that could be adopted locally. One of the most notable aspects of these case studies is a rebranding effort that communicates animal control as more of a holistic animal services department where pets can be adopted and cruelty can be reported. This helps change public perception form thinking of animal control as just the pound where bad animals are left to die or an animal control where they “control” dangerous or defective dogs.  This speaks to public perception and combating the stigma of shelter dogs as bad or defective thus encouraging adoption. Case study areas have high intake and are in underserved rural areas with limited resources. 

1. Ft. Bend County Case Study
In response to animal cruelty issues and a large homeless animal issue, Ft Bend County has taken significant steps to address these issues under the leadership of Ft Bend Constable Wayne Thompson (Precinct 3) resulting in a significant increase in enforcement. Efforts include the creation of a new animal cruelty task force with a dedicated investigator, and a very well developed website presence of Animal Services on the Ft Bend County website that highlights adoption and animal welfare and a no cost spay neuter partnership for county residents. Ft Bend County is part of the Harris County Animal Cruelty Task Force. 
​https://www.fbchhs.org/animal-services

2. Bastrop County Case Study
Bastrop County has made similar strides in rebranding as an animal services department that oversees adoption and cruelty issues. Their website has pictures of animals available for adoption and links to places offering low cost spay and neuter and information on responsible pet ownership. Their animal control vehicles include decals with a number to report animal cruelty. They work with a 501(c)(3) called Bastrop County Animal Shelter Helpers that launched a spay/neuter subsidy program for low income residents funded in part by a grant from Pet Smart charities.  
www.bcashelpers.org