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 from within the county but all donations to the organization are very much appreciated. We cannot accept animals outside of Erath County. As we are usually at or past capacity, acceptance of owner surrenders is contingent on space available & there is a charge of $35. We are a no-kill facility and there is no time limit on healthy, non-aggressive animals that are in our care.
All dogs and cats adopted from the shelter must be spayed or 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 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 is staffed by one full time and three part time employees. They are assisted 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 staff.
ECHS business hours are 2:00pm to 6:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 12:00 to 5:00 on Saturdays. We are closed on Wednesdays and Sundays and some holidays.
