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	"I know, I know! Prairie dogs are so cute. But, they are taking over the county! They're destroying farmers 'fields, and causing havoc on the roads."

Does the commissioners court have any authority to exterminate animal pests?

Yes. Prairie dogs are a public nuisance per Health and Safety Code §825.036. The county may distribute poison to landowners free of charge to exterminate prairie dogs under Section 825.021. The commissioners court determines the days on which the poison will be put out and gives at least 20 days’ notice before doing so. Health and Safety Code §825.022.