Hidalgo County Cracks Down on Roadside Animal Vendors

Hidalgo County Commissioners Court has adopted a new order prohibiting the roadside sale of non-livestock animals within the county’s unincorporated areas. Effective immediately, the measure aims to enhance public safety, promote animal welfare, and improve residents’ quality of life.

Backed by New State Law

This action follows the recent passage of House Bill 2731 by the 89th Texas Legislature, which took effect on September 1, 2025. The bill grants counties with a population of over 200,000 that border Mexico the authority to regulate vendors selling live animals on public highways, roads, and parking lots in unincorporated areas.

House Bill 2731 amends the Texas Transportation Code to allow counties to regulate the sale of live animals by vendors, including the erection and maintenance of structures used for selling these animals, as well as the solicitation of money. 

HB 2731 also permits counties to require vendors to be located at a safe distance from the edge of public highways. However, the bill explicitly prohibits counties from banning the sale of livestock.

“This order reflects our responsibility to safeguard both people and animals,” said Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez in an official statement. “Roadside sales create dangerous conditions for drivers and vendors, contribute to problems with stray and abandoned pets. By enforcing this measure, we are prioritizing public safety, animal welfare, and the well-being of our community.”

“Roadside sales create dangerous conditions for drivers and vendors, contribute to problems with stray and abandoned pets. By enforcing this measure, we are prioritizing public safety, animal welfare, and the well-being of our community.”

The county is also empowered to remove any structures used in violation. Enforcement will be carried out immediately by county law enforcement and code officials.

Notably, the order does not restrict the sale of livestock, as allowed by state law. It also replaces the county’s previous 2014 “Rules for Roadside Vendors” order.