Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) - Promoting the humane treatment of animals through legislation, education and advocacy

Confronting Animal Cruelty
Animal Abuse is Often Hidden in the Shadows of Our Communities

Animal cruelty is a war we must fight on many fronts: the war against ignorance and indifference; the war against violence and sadistic behavior; and the war against commercial exploitation, where animals are treated as commodities with no regard to their welfare and dignity as living beings.

Animals are victims of cruelty in many ways. Neglected dogs kept on chains or tethers. Companion animals victimized by family violence or abandoned to the streets and highways. Horses and farm animals left without adequate food, water or veterinary care. And victims of impulsive attacks by sadistic individuals who enjoy power and control.

Then there are the industries of cruelty perpetuated for financial gain: the horrific breeding practices and appalling kennel conditions of puppy mills; the transportation of horses to slaughter in Mexico; the brutal worlds of dogfighting and cockfighting; and the cruel confinement of exotic animals kept in small cages as objects of curiosity or as future trophies for illegal hunters.

It is for every animal suffering at the hands of callous and brutal people that THLN exists.

Since 1975, the Network has been a leading advocate at the Texas Legislature for strong animal protection laws. Examples include:

• The Seizure Law, which allows government authorities to seize cruelly treated animals and remove them from their abusers or inhumane conditions.

• The Humane Euthanasia Law, which requires all Texas animal shelters to euthanize animals by humane methods specified and regulated by the state.

• The Animal Shelter Act, which requires shelters to properly house, care for and humanely treat animals in their custody.

• The Animal Control Certification Law, which requires proper training, education and certification of animal control officers.

• The Animal Cruelty Statute Amendments made in 2007, which now make it a crime to:

Cruelly treat a homeless dog or feral cat;
"Recklessly" commit cruelty to any animal. (Prosecutors no longer have to prove that a person intended to commit cruelty);
Kill or cause serious bodily injury "in a cruel manner" to a non-livestock animal;
Fail to provide water to an animal in a person's custody;
"Torture"* an animal classified as "livestock" (includes horses, cattle, sheep, pigs and goats).

*"Torture" is now defined as "any act that causes unjustifiable pain or suffering."

For all of the animals who find no mercy at the hands of those who control their fate, THLN will continue to be their advocate at the Texas Legislature and to the people of Texas.

Click below for information about reporting animal cruelty:

ASPCA - Reporting Cruelty FAQ

Pet-Abuse.com - Reporting Animal Cruelty

THLN has several Texas licensed attorneys who have volunteered to consult with people regarding animal law issues. HOWEVER, we do not deal with animal cruelty issues or adoption issues. We do not have an animal shelter, nor do our members foster animals as part of THLN.

If your inquiry involves a legal question that CANNOT be answered by contacting your local city animal control or local sheriff (or if the local law enforcement is refusing to help), you may contact us via email at "webmaster@thln.org" or using our contact form above. The inquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate person for a timely response. Please note that our attorneys are board members who volunteer their time as their private legal practice permits. Please give us 1-3 days to respond in most instances; however, during a legislative session, it may take a little longer.

Other outstanding sources of information are the Southwest Regional office of HSUS, the SPCA of Texas, your local humane organization, and/or law enforcment. You may contact the SPCA and HSUS at the contact information listed below.