We, the residents and supporters of the Rio Grande Valley, call on our local cities and counties to adopt humane, no-kill bee rescue and relocation policies. Across the RGV, many honeybee colonies are still being exterminated because local ordinances do not recognize humane relocation as an option. This results in the unnecessary loss of pollinators that are essential to Texas agriculture, public safety, and our environment. By updating outdated codes, our communities can choose safe, modern, no-kill solutions that protect both people and bees.

Honeybees play a vital role in Texas agriculture, food production, and environmental health. Yet across the Rio Grande Valley, many bee colonies are still exterminated by default when safe, humane alternatives exist.

The City of Austin set a precedent in 2011 by adopting a no-kill bee ordinance that prioritizes rescue and relocation instead of extermination. The State of Texas has also recognized the honeybee as the official state pollinator, further emphasizing its ecological importance.

We are asking Rio Grande Valley municipalities — including cities, counties, and local authorities — to adopt similar no-kill policies by:

• Updating local ordinances to include humane bee rescue and relocation as the preferred method for addressing bee colonies.
• Reducing unnecessary extermination that harms bee populations critical to our crops and ecosystems.
• Allowing certified, experienced bee rescue organizations to safely relocate colonies at no risk to public safety.

By signing this petition, we urge our local leaders to recognize the importance of honeybees, modernize outdated codes, and join the statewide effort to protect a species that directly impacts our food systems, agriculture, and environment.

A no-kill policy is safer for communities, better for the environment, and aligns the Rio Grande Valley with Texas’ commitment to pollinator protection.

We respectfully request that our local governments take immediate action to implement humane bee rescue guidelines across all RGV municipalities.