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

HB 963 - THLN Sponsored Bill - Successfully Passed
Summary: H.B. 963, the Seizure Appeals bill, will clarify and improve the appeals process for cases dealing with animals seized in cruelty cases. This bill was sponsored in the House by our long time friend and sponsor of multiple animal protection measures in past years, Representative Will Hartnett of Dallas. In his typical style, he very smoothly and professionally worked the bill through the House. Newcomer, Senator Jose' Rodriguez of El Paso graciously picked up the bill in the Senate and saw that it passed without incident. We are grateful to both sponsors and their staff for jobs superbly well done!
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HB 1043 - Successfully Passed
Summary: This bill will bring the Texas cockfighting law in line with the Texas dogfighting law and will punish not only those who fight the cocks, but those who train them, provide the facilities for fighting them, share in the profits of cockfighting events, sell cockfighting paraphernalia and attend cockfights. THLN Supported this Bill.
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HB 1103 - Successfully Passed
Summary: This bill will require those guilty of animal cruelty to pay a fee for community supervision which would go to local animal shelters. THLN Supported this Bill.
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HB 1451 - THLN Sponsored Bill - Successfully Passed
Summary: H.B. 1451, the Puppy Mill bill, the most challenging bill, was championed by two highly respected veteran legislators from Houston - Representative Senfronia Thompson and Senator John Whitmire. We are indebted to them both and their staff for their strong commitment and persistence in passing a bill that will provide protection for hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats in Texas puppy mills. H.B. 1451 is a regulation and licensing measure for high volume breeders and will provide basic protection for hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats confined and raised in large scale breeding operations by providing humane housing standards, annual veterinary care, and inspections.
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HB 2471 - Successfully Passed
Summary: This is a so-called "good Samaritan bill". It would protect people who rescue lost and abandoned animals from lawsuits if the animal becomes sick or injured while in their care. THLN Supported this Bill.
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SB 279 - Successfully Passed
Summary: This bill will protect family pets in domestic violence cases. THLN Supported this Bill.
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