Stand Up & Fight for Harris County’s Dogs and Cats

Demand solutions to Harris County’s pet crisis, not more euthanasia.

The UU Animal Ministry of Houston is proud to partner with Harris County Paw and Order Animal Advocacy Group for this peaceful protest to raise awareness of Harris County’s ongoing companion animal crisis.

Every day, healthy and treatable dogs and cats lose their lives because our community lacks the resources, facilities, and leadership needed to address pet overpopulation in a humane and effective way.

This protest is not directed at the dedicated employees or volunteers at BARC Animal Shelter, who work under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Rather, it is a call for meaningful change in the policies, priorities, and chronic underinvestment that have allowed this crisis to persist for far too long. We also believe Harris County deserves a modern animal shelter with the capacity and resources necessary to care for the number of homeless animals in our community.

Together, we are calling on the Mayor, City Council, County Commissioners, and other elected officials to make animal welfare a higher priority by:

• Expanding funding for affordable and free spay/neuter programs.
• Building a modern shelter with adequate capacity for Harris County’s needs.
• Increasing support for rescue organizations, foster programs, and lifesaving initiatives.
• Implementing humane, evidence-based solutions that reduce shelter intake and save lives instead of relying primarily on euthanasia.
• Committing to long-term, transparent strategies that address the root causes of the crisis.

Our goal is to educate the public about the scale of Harris County’s pet crisis and inspire citizens to demand better from their elected leaders. Communities across the country have demonstrated that humane, innovative approaches can dramatically reduce euthanasia while improving outcomes for both animals and residents. Harris County can do the same.

Join us as we stand together to advocate for compassionate, lasting solutions. By raising our voices today, we can help create a future where every healthy and treatable dog and cat has the opportunity to find a loving home.

This protest targets policies—not shelter staff.

Cold water, snacks and tent provided for all participants.