Press Room
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Texas Takes First Steps to Comply with Puppy Mill Bill
Austin, TX, August 2011
August 1, 2011 (Austin, TX). The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is taking the first steps to bring dog and cat breeders into compliance with the newly passed House Bill 1451, also known as the Puppy Mill Bill. Today, TDLR announced that a Licensed Breeders Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) would be established to determine the rules and standards for large scale commercial dog and cat breeders as directed by the passage of HB 1451.
TDLR posted the Committee vacancies on their website today. The Advisory Committee will be composed of nine members including: two licensed breeders; two veterinarians; two members who represent animal welfare organizations each of which has an office based in this state; two members who represent the public; and one animal control officer. Advisory Committee applications will be accepted through September 15, 2011. 
“It is of utmost importance that TDLR has experienced and well-qualified individuals for each of these Advisory Committee positions so that we can be assured that thorough rules are made for regulation and that there will be strong enforcement of the bill,” says Monica Hardy, Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) Executive Director.
Governor Rick Perry signed HB 1451, the Large Scale Commercial Dog and Cat Breeder Bill, popularly known as the Puppy Mill Bill, into law on June 17, 2011. HB 1451 is a regulation and licensing measure for high volume breeders and will provide basic protection for hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats raised in large scale breeding operations by providing humane housing standards , annual veterinary care, and inspections.
HB 1451 was championed by two highly respected veteran legislators from Houston - Representative Senfronia Thompson and Senator John Whitmire. Their strong commitment and persistence will provide protection for hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats in Texas puppy mills. "We're very happy Texas has joined the many other states in regulation of commercial breeders, and we look forward to working with TDLR in developing and implementing humane standards for dogs and cats living in these facilities," says Cile Holloway, THLN President.
TDLR is ordered to promulgate regulations by March 31, 2012. Those meeting the thresholds set forth in HB 1451 will have until September 1, 2012 to come into compliance with the provisions of this bill and the subsequent regulations and to obtain the license.
To learn more about Puppy Mills in Texas, click here. To watch the THLN puppy mill video, please click here.
About Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN): Established in 1975, THLN is a grassroots, nonprofit organization that fights for the enactment and enforcement of laws to protect animals from neglect and abuse. THLN is the political arm and voice for every animal and animal welfare organization in Texas. THLN is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation staffed primarily by volunteers and consists of an executive director, board of directors, an advisory board and nine local chapters located across Texas.
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Issue Links: Puppy Mills
PRESS CONTACTS
Monica Hardy
T (888) 548-6263
E ed@thln.org
