Texas

HB 1795

This aims to increase the criminal penalties of cockfighting and dogfighting participants in Texas by escalating certain offenses from Class A misdemeanors to state jail felonies. Such offenses include permitting one’s property to be used for fighting or training a rooster or dog with the intent that the animal be used in an exhibition.

Ethical Pet Sales Bill

This bill would stop retail pet stores from selling commercially bred puppies and kittens in the Lone Star State and help put an end to cruel puppy mill practices. It would protect both pets and consumers by requiring that only healthy animals sourced from shelters and rescues be sold in retail pet stores. Currently, many retail pet stores get their puppies and kittens from unscrupulous, out-of-state breeding mills, which house animals in poor conditions, take babies away from their moms too soon, and transport them hundreds or even thousands of miles across the country to be sold in retail pet stores. What is worse, these puppies and kittens are sold unaltered, which only exacerbates Texas’ overpopulation crisis. Only one of the top 25 retailers still sells dogs from these conditions. This year alone, Dallas, Houston, and New Braunfels passed humane pet store ordinances, demonstrating the need and support for a statewide law. While 18 cities across Texas have passed retail pet store ordinances, millions of Texans are still vulnerable to the deceptive business practices used to sell animals sourced from inhumane breeding mills.

Access to Veterinary Care

It’s hard to fathom in these modern times that the largest state in the lower 48 has 51 counties with zero veterinarians. Due to the current veterinarian shortage in Texas, there is no way to meet the current demand for the roughly 20 million dogs and cats in homes and in shelters across our state. We need to focus on the future of veterinary medicine by analyzing the current national landscape, examining the progress being made in other states, and looking at survey data from pet owners. We’ll also want to look at the future of veterinary telemedicine in Texas, recent case law, and how it can benefit shelters and rescues.

Humane Lobby Day

We participate in Humane Lobby Day at the Texas Capitol in Austin, a day when animal advocates from all walks of life and across the state meet at the Capitol to speak up for animals. It’s a full day of learning about legislative processes, bills currently in play to help and protect animals, and how to effectively engage with lawmakers as they consider those bills. Attendees learn how laws can work to improve conditions for animals, an incredible opportunity to meet legislators, and a way to network with like-minded Texans.

Outreach to State Leaders

We regularly meet with offices of Texas legislators to inform them of animal issues and upcoming legislation. Oftentimes, we secure their endorsement of certain bills by becoming cosigners. This can be for Texas-specific bills, as well as federal legislation.

Engage with Law Enforcement

Through our network of animal advocates, we often learn about potential animal cruelty and/or neglect cases and reach out to the appropriate authorities, such as local sheriff and district attorney offices throughout the state to provide information and request investigations. Our efforts have resulted in several citations to those who were not in compliance with Texas laws. We also reach out to sheriff and DA offices for their endorsement of bills to improve the lives of animals.

Wildlife Protection and Conservation

Texas is home to a diverse array of wildlife, but the state’s policies and practices have sometimes led to harm and exploitation of these animals. We are advocating for stronger laws that protect wildlife from illegal hunting, trapping, and exploitation. Through partnerships with local wildlife organizations, we work to create sustainable habitats and ensure that Texas’ wildlife is protected for future generations.