Texas
We strive to advance protections for wildlife and all animals in Texas


As the largest state on the mainland, Texas has a strong network of animal shelters, rescue groups, and wildlife conservation efforts, and the state is home to many animal enthusiasts and advocates working to improve the lives of animals. However, the Lone Star state has significant challenges, including a lack of stringent animal welfare laws compared to other states, especially in areas such as puppy mills, animal cruelty, and neglect.
We promote the humane treatment of animals through legislation, education, and advocacy by working with our state representatives and law enforcement agencies to address our lenient animal cruelty laws. We are dedicated to improving the lives of animals in Texas through impactful advocacy, legislative efforts, and public education. As the state’s population of animals grows, so does the need for change in animal welfare policies.
What We Do
Our work in Texas focuses on tackling some of the most pressing issues facing animals. We work with Texas leadership, federal legislators, and animal advocates throughout the state on wide-ranging issues that impact animals here and throughout the country. Collaboration with state leaders and other animal advocates is key to helping Texas animals. Our initiatives include:
- Advocating for animal protection legislation
- Seeking endorsements from legislative leaders on various animal welfare bills
- Educating the public and lawmakers about animal welfare issues
- Working with other organizations that share their goals
- Endorsing candidates who support animal welfare
Our State Director
Linda Robertson
Linda is a passionate advocate for animals and brings more than four decades of communications leadership and experience to the organization’s Texas initiatives. Linda joined us soon after moving to the Houston area in spring 2024. Her goal is to foster and promote tangible progress for animals in the state, whether they’re considered companion, farmed, working (such as horses used to pull carriages), or wild, by elevating key legislation, collaborating closely with lawmakers, and mobilizing public support for animal protection causes.
Linda’s deep commitment to the cause stems from her firsthand experiences with animal rescue and her belief in the need for systemic change. She has worked alongside grassroots organizations and international coalitions to drive positive animal advocacy changes, and she brings that experience to Texas to help make it a more humane state for animals.

Want to learn more or get involved with Animal Wellness Action in Texas? Email lrobertson@animalwellnessaction.org.
TOP PRIORITIES for 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.
How to help
Please join us in protecting Texas animals. There is still much work to be done to protect animals in Texas, and we invite you to join us in our efforts. By supporting our campaigns, getting involved with local initiatives, and donating to our cause, you can help ensure that the voices of animals in Texas are heard. Together, we can create a future where animals are no longer exploited or suffer in silence.
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Puppy mill photo credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media