Jim Wells County voters will decide whether to update a nearly 100-year-old animal ordinance that currently limits law enforcement's ability to address livestock and exotic animals roaming on roads and private property.

On Friday, Aug. 22, county commissioners approved placing the measure on the November 4 ballot after Sheriff Joseph "Guy" Baker presented concerns about the 1929 law. Jim Wells County voters to decide on updating nearly 100-year-old animal ordinance in November

The existing ordinance only covers cattle, horses and mules, leaving deputies unable to enforce violations involving other animals that weren't present in the county when the law was enacted.

"It's a major concern for not only those people that the property is being damaged by these animals. But, in my view, it's

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