February 21, 2018
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
Constable Ted Heap, in conjunction with other law enforcement and animal protection agencies, unveils the new Animal Cruelty Hotline & Website: 832-927-PAWS and www.927PAWS.org. The new hotline and online website will offer an easier and more coordinated way to report animal neglect, abuse, hoarding, torture and dog fighting.
As part of the new taskforce, Harris County Sheriff's Office is adding a deputy to investigate animal cruelty charges, Harris County Animal Shelter is dedicating resources to assist in investigations and to handle medical evaluations, BARC is committing two animal control officers to help investigate reports of abuse.Houston Police Department and Kim Ogg Harris County District Attorney are also stepping up efforts to arrest and prosecute those who abuse and neglect animals.
With over 50 law enforcement agencies in Harris County, citizens often do not know where this type of abuse can be reported. The council’s goal was to make it easy for citizens to report animal cruelty and neglect to the correct agency, thereby helping animals in need as quickly as possible. This also would free up resources that were incorrectly getting the calls. Active members of this council include
Harris County Constable Precinct 5
Harris County District Attorney’s Office
Harris County Sheriff’s Office
Houston Police Department
Crime Stoppers of Houston
Houston PetSet
Houston Humane Society
ADORE Houston
Houston K-911 Rescue
Following Hurricane Harvey, the Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce, led by Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap, was formed with the primary goal of streamlining the process of where and how animal cruelty can be reported in the Greater Houston Area.
The taskforce created 832-927-PAWS in order to further structure this reporting process, speed up response times and minimize duplication of efforts across the county. Additionally, the Taskforce secured a partnership with drumBEAT Marketing and their website, www.Best4Pets.org. drumBEAT Marketing is donating the time and services to create the one-stop website for citizens in Harris County and the Greater Houston Metropolitan area to report animal cruelty and get information on all issues pertaining to animal welfare.