County's status as a Closed Range is noted by TCSO

Titus County Sheriff’s deputies and other state and local law enforcement officers are frequently asked if Titus County is open or closed range regarding allowing livestock to freely roam.

The issue falls under the purview of the Texas Agriculture Code. While all of Texas generally falls under the “Open Range” category excepting U.S. and Interstate Highways, the Agriculture Code provides an avenue whereby a county’s citizens may opt to hold an election to close the range in their county.

The difference in Open Range and Closed Range essentially means, under open range, farmers and other property holders were required to fence free ranging livestock out, in order to prevent crop and other damage. Under the closed range category, it becomes the responsibility of the livestock owners to keep their livestock contained within fenced areas.

On December 22nd, 1958, after receiving a petition with the appropriate number of interested parties desiring an election to close the range in Titus County, the Titus County Commissioner’s Court held such an election. The local option in favor of closing range was passed overwhelmingly by Titus County Voters. The outcome of that election effectively placed Titus County under the Closed Range status.

Titus County Sheriff’s Office works diligently to cooperate with owners whose livestock have strayed onto county roads and highways, normally making great effort to locate the owner and making sure the livestock are returned to the proper pastures.

Titus County Sheriff’s Office would also like to ask that livestock owners be diligent in making sure their livestock are maintained under adequate fencing, to prevent not only the loss of livestock but more importantly, to prevent injury to occupants of vehicles on the roadway.

We would also like to point out that in the course of a year, loose livestock calls greatly consumes resources including manpower, vehicle wear and tear, and fuel costs.

Any person who maintains livestock desiring to provide their contact information along with a description of their livestock and location should provide that information to the Titus County Communications Officers at (903) 572-6641. Having accurate and current information on file with the Sheriff’s Office helps expedite getting loose livestock back to their respective owners.