BISHOP, Texas — In an effort to control the stray population in Bishop, the City approved the creation of a new animal control service department under its police department.
Bishop Police Chief Edward Day said prior to this transition, an independent contractor was in charge but City officials decided it was better for the police department to absorb the service.
"We feel like we're going to have a lot more transparency that way and provide a better service overall to the community," Day said.
He said it's taken several months to prepare for the change.
"So we had the building, but we didn't have the vehicle, or the equipment or the personnel," Day said. "So we literally started from scratch."
Animal Control Officer Bradford Shelton said it's just the first week and he's already received several calls.
"The cat population can grow very rapidly," Shelton said. "The ones I've caught already are, some of them have been greatly infested with fleas. Just imagine that under your home. It's a health issue, it's a safety issue and just for the health and welfare of the animal as well."
As of right now, the animal shelter is equipped to house 10 cats and seven to 10 dogs. Shelton said after 10 days, if they're not adopted they will have to be euthanized.
For more information on adoption call (361) 584-2443 or visit the police department's Facebook page here.
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