Hidalgo County bans roadside sales of non-livestock animals

HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court on Tuesday adopted an order that prohibits the roadside sale of non-livestock animals within the unincorporated areas in the county.

According to a news release from the Hidalgo County Public Affairs Office, the 89th Legislature amended and passed House Bill 2731, which was signed into law on Sept. 1, giving the county authority to enact the order effective immediately.

The order bans the roadside sales of non-livestock animals, such as dogs and cats, along the highways, roads and parking lots in unincorporated areas in the county.

Additionally, this order will also prohibit creating any structure for the purpose of selling animals.

“This order reflects our responsibility to safeguard both people and animals,” said Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. “Roadside sales create dangerous conditions for drivers and vendors, and contribute to problems with stray and abandoned pets. By enforcing this measure, we are prioritizing public safety, animal welfare, and the well-being of our community.”

The county emphasizes that the new order does not prohibit the sales of livestock, such as goats and cows, under the applicable state law and replaces the 2014 Hidalgo County "Rules for Roadside Vendors" order.

Those who violate the order may face a Class C misdemeanor charge and every day of noncompliance will count as a separate offense, the release stated.

Additionally, the county is authorized to remove any structures that are used in violation of the order.