(Seguin) — The often-overlooked work of Guadalupe County’s animal services officers is taking center stage this week in observance of National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week (April 12-18).
Backed by a county proclamation before their peers, officials say the recognition highlights a unit that responded to 2,780 calls in 2025, impounded 751 animals, and helped achieve a 75 percent redemption and adoption rate — numbers that according to Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray — only begin to tell the story of a job “that blends enforcement, compassion, and public scrutiny.”
Despite the public pressure and criticism, the department has faced in recent months, Ray says his team continues to show up, even when the job gets difficult.
“It says a lot about their character, that they have withstood a lot of the criticism and they still come to work every day and do the best that they can. So, I’ve really gotten to know them and their daily operations. a lot more during my tenure as sheriff than I did before as chief deputy. And I can truthfully say that they have been mischaracterized time and time again. And I think they try really hard to do the best job they can and sometimes in very, very difficult situations. So, they’re not always appreciated, but I definitely appreciate them,” said Ray.
Ray says the challenges facing animal services today are “rooted in limited resources.”
“Historically, not a lot of funding and resources have been put into animal services. It used to be called Animal Control. I renamed it Animal Services. But the shelter and pretty much our entire budget that we have right now, I would say it’s pretty much a shoestring budget, but almost the entire budget goes towards the animal services officers, their salaries, benefits, and the equipment they need in their truck. Very little is used to run that shelter. And it’s just not adequate for today’s expectations from our citizens. But like I’ve said before, there’s different perspectives from Guadalupe County constituents on what kind of services we should be providing and the taxpayer funding, the amount of taxpayer funding that should be used in providing those services,” said Ray.
Ray says even with the challenges, their efforts are often misunderstood by the public.
“I mean, they are doing exactly what they can. I think their hearts are in the right place. I think they’ve been mischaracterized by some animal advocacy groups. They’re trying hard with the resources they have available,” said Ray.
In recognition of this week, county officials say it’s also a good time for the public to learn more about the shelter and about helping animals find their forever home.