Residents urge Dimmit County to act on escalating stray-dog problem

Kehlani Perez, a lifelong Dimmit County resident who identified herself as an operator of two family businesses and a leader in local church ministry, told the commissioners court that an ongoing stray-dog problem has “driven our customers away” and is causing property damage and public-safety concerns. “This is not just an inconvenience. It is a quality of life issue and a public safety concern,” she said, asking the court for “decisive action toward a sustainable solution.”

Her comments were followed by Peter Perez III of Carrizo Springs, who described similar impacts on his business and tenants and asked the court to adopt a resolution and commit resources, partnerships or policy changes to reduce roaming dogs. “We are not simply here to complain. We are here to ask for leadership, solutions, and action,” he said.

The commissioners did not adopt a specific ordinance or vote on a new animal-control program during the meeting. Instead, the two public-comment items were heard early in the agenda and recorded as testimony. Court members acknowledged prior meetings with residents and staff but signaled that solutions will require coordination — possibly funding, intergovernmental partnerships and policy changes — and follow-up through staff reports or future agenda items.

Why it matters: Commissioners set local animal-control priorities and can allocate county resources, form partnerships with municipal shelters or request state assistance. Residents and businesses flagged financial and safety impacts: lost customers, property damage and risks to animal welfare.

What was not decided: No formal motion to create a new program, hire staff, or change county ordinance was introduced on the record at this meeting. The speakers asked for a timeline and public updates; the court accepted the testimony for follow-up at staff level.