How It StartedAccording to the Sheriff’s Office, the property first came to the county’s attention after several animal-related incidents, including reports of loose animals. One of the more serious incidents involved non-native venomous snakes, including a king cobra, that were reportedly left in cardboard boxes along FM 1988 following a domestic dispute at the residence. The potential risk to public safety prompted the county to review and update its animal ordinance.
What the Ordinance Requires
County officials and Animal Control met with the property owners, provided a copy of the new ordinance, and assisted them through the permitting process. Under the ordinance:- Non-native snakes and reptiles are prohibited in Polk County
- Small primates (such as lemurs) require a USDA permit before a county permit can be issued
- Tortoises are the only non-native reptiles permitted, provided they have a current health certificate from a licensed veterinarian
Federal Involvement
Federal Game Wardens investigated the property and issued citations related to the transportation of animals, the statement said. They also required the owners to obtain certain federal permits. Whether those federal requirements have been completed is unknown, but Federal Game Wardens remain involved in the case.A Year of Opportunities
The county worked with the owners regarding their lemurs. Although they did not have the required USDA certification, they claimed they were in the process of obtaining it and were allowed to keep the animals. When Animal Control followed up this year, the owners still had not obtained the required USDA permit.Rather than issuing fines or immediately seizing the animals, the Sheriff’s Office gave them another 30 days to relocate the lemurs outside of Polk County.During that process, Animal Control also learned the property now included a Nile crocodile — an animal clearly prohibited under the current county ordinance.Why It Matters
The purpose of the ordinance is to protect both public safety and the local environment. Restrictions on certain exotic animals are intended to prevent dangerous situations and reduce the risk of invasive species being released into Polk County, where they can negatively impact local ecosystems.What Happens Next
The property owners were informed of the ordinance, provided guidance on the permitting process, and given a full year to obtain the required documentation. They were also given additional time to relocate animals that could not legally remain in the county. Unfortunately, the required permits were not obtained, and additional prohibited animals were acquired against the ordinance.As a result, the county is now moving forward with enforcement.This article is based on a public statement posted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on August 6, 2026. 936 Insider reports on local news affecting the 936 area code region of East Texas.