Kerr County residents asked to not trap animals from April 5-9

For a period of 5 days -- from April 5-9 -- local residents are being asked by Kerr County Animal Services to refrain from trapping any wildlife or stray cats.

Due to the increase of visitors and automotive traffic for the eclipse during that time, KCAS animal control officers will only respond to animal emergencies.

Residents may resume trapping on Wednesday, April 10, when normal services return.

In the event a resident does trap an animal during the limited time, that resident may release the animal. Otherwise, they will be responsible for providing care (food, water and shelter) while the animal is in their custody.

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TX Penal Code 42.092 defines “animal” as a domesticated living creature, including any stray or FERAL CAT or DOG, and a WILD LIVING CREATURE previously CAPTURED.

TX Penal Code 42.092 states “custody” includes the responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of an animal subject to the person’s care and control, regardless of ownership of the animal

TX Penal Code 42.092 requires ALL owners or CUSTODIAL OWNERS to provide necessary food, water, and SHELTER to the extent required to maintain the animal in a state of good health

TX Penal Code 42.092 defines “cruel manner” as any manner that causes or permits unjustified or unwarranted pain or suffering

TX Penal Code 42.092 defines “torture” as any act that causes unjustifiable pain or suffering

TX Penal Code 42.092 states that a person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly tortures an animal or in a cruel manner kills or causes serious bodily injury to an animal AND/OR if a person fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, care, or shelter for an animal in the person’s custody