06/02/2026
📢 Swisher County Neighbors – Need Your Input on Stray Dogs
Hey everyone in Swisher County (especially those outside city limits),
We’ve been hearing a lot of complaints about stray and loose dogs causing issues with livestock, traffic safety, and general nuisance problems in the rural areas. We’re looking for practical solutions and would love to hear your thoughts.
One idea that’s been discussed is a county dog registration program for areas outside city limits. This could help with accountability by making it easier for the Sheriff’s Office to identify owners and return dogs.
What would registration likely involve?
• Annual registration with proof of rabies vaccination, owner contact info, and dog description.
• Small annual fee (around $10–20) to cover admin costs.
• Focus on enforcement for problem cases, with exemptions for working dogs and puppies.
• Only for unincorporated areas (cities like Tulia and Kress have their own rules).
As taxpayers and voters, we have the real power to accomplish this.
What it would take to get this on a ballot:
Swisher County is a general law county, so we don’t have a direct citizen petition process like some home-rule cities. The Commissioners Court decides most county ordinances and can place measures on the ballot.
To move forward:
• Attend Commissioners Court meetings (held regularly in Tulia) and speak during public comment.
• Gather neighbors to share real stories about stray dog problems.
• Ask the Court to adopt the ordinance directly or place an advisory referendum on the ballot for voter input.
• Build enough community support so they see it as a priority worth voting on.
The Court works for us — consistent, respectful pressure from engaged taxpayers and voters is how local change happens.
But we want to hear your options — not just registration. What ideas do you have for dealing with stray dogs in Swisher County?
• Better enforcement of existing laws?
• Continuation to the Spay/neuter programs?
• Education campaigns?
• Something else?
Drop your thoughts and experiences below 👇 Have you had problems with roaming dogs? What solutions would work best for our rural community?
Let’s work together as engaged taxpayers and voters to keep Swisher County safe for families, livestock, and responsible pet owners!
These groups below work tirelessly finding homes for all the irresponsible pet owners. Anyone that could not be tagged can chime in with opinions. This is an effort that many people and organizations work hard at.
Respectfully dialog is not only appreciated it is also required on this page. Please respond respectfully of you could get banned. We are here to find solutions for the majority.
Tulia Animal Control Advocates
Paws Pet Adoption of Plainview
Animal Rescue Friends of Floydada
Brown Paws Dog Rescue
