In Texas, an Animal Control Advisory Committee (ACAC) is established to assist and advise the municipality or county on animal control policies, shelter operations, and compliance with state animal welfare laws.

Texas Health and Safety Code § 823.005

Texas Health and Safety Code § 823.005 is a statutory provision that governs the creation of an animal control advisory committee for each public or private animal shelter in Texas. It forms part of Chapter 823, which regulates animal shelters and related health and safety standards.

Each animal shelter—public or private—that operates under Chapter 823 must establish an advisory committee consisting of at least one licensed veterinarian, one municipal or county official, one person whose duties include daily operation of an animal shelter, and one representative from the public. The committee’s main duty is to assist in complying with state shelter standards and advise local authorities on shelter operations and public health practices.

Section 823.005 ensures that animal shelters maintain consistent health and safety standards throughout Texas. By mandating a multidisciplinary advisory committee, the law fosters collaboration between local government, veterinary experts, and the public to enhance animal welfare, disease control, and humane treatment.

Compliance is overseen at the local level, with each shelter required to document committee formation and participation. Noncompliance can affect licensing or funding eligibility. The statute helps promote uniform, accountable management practices among shelters across the state.


Key Responsibilities

Under Texas law, the committee typically:

1. Reviews Animal Shelter Operations

  • Ensures the shelter complies with state animal shelter standards

  • Reviews care, sanitation, and humane treatment practices

2. Advises on Animal Control Policies

Provides recommendations on issues such as:

  • Dangerous dog regulations

  • Animal cruelty enforcement

  • Stray animal management

  • Spay/neuter programs

  • Animal adoption programs

3. Makes Recommendations to the Governing Body

The committee advises:

  • City Council

  • Commissioners Court

  • Animal control department

Recommendations may include:

  • ordinance changes

  • policy improvements

  • program development

4. Promotes Public Health and Safety

Animal control programs also protect the public from:

  • rabies

  • aggressive animals

  • stray populations

5. Ensures Community Representation

The committee provides public involvement in animal welfare oversight.