City continues talks on animal control

By Breyana Segura - Chief Staff Writer | November 26, 2025

Overpopulation presents problems; funding request may cover extra expenses

Animal Control Officer Crystal Coronado has presented stark figures to Pearsall city councilors highlighting an urgent need for action as the city continues to see significant animal overpopulation issues.
Coronado’s presentation revealed that she handled 116 animals between July 1 and October 1. Of those, two were adopted, one was reunited with its owners, and 79 animals were transferred to other shelters and rescue partners.
“I am asking the city council to help counteract this,” Coronado said of her proposal for monies to fund a spay and neuter program.
Coronado said she believes the current overpopulation is not merely an animal welfare concern but also poses potential health and safety risks.
“I would like the council to take a look at what the funding options are,” the ACO said. “The first year we would just use funding as a research year to identify areas that have the most need and who would receive vouchers.”
Coronado said she currently has 48 animals awaiting relocation.
Pearsall City Manager Federico Reyes agreed with the ACO’s position on the necessity of a program, citing Frio County’s efforts to provide aid to a local non-profit organization.

“But from our standpoint there needs to be some effort to spay and neuter,” the city manager said.
Coronado’s presentation included a request for $10,250 in a Tier 1 program that would spay or neuter up to 50 canines without their rabies vaccines. The cost is $12,330 for animals with vaccines.
“On the tier one, we ask that the owner provide the rabies vaccine before getting the animal spayed or neutered,” Coronado said.
Pearsall Police Chief Daniel Flores supported additional funding for the animal control efforts.
“I know we had an organization asking for money,” the chief said, “but this is just my opinion. I believe it’s best that the city money is moved towards our ACO because we have the ability to manage instead of us relying on a different organization. The city did budget for a second animal control officer and we are currently in the process of going through applications.”
Jackson’s Brush Puppy Rescue, a non-profit organization focused on finding adoption homes for stray animals, asked for financial assistance from the city in the amount of $65,000 during an October meeting.
Coronado was named the local rabies control authority for the city.
The city council is expected to continue talks on funding options and the implementation of a spay and neuter program.