90th Legislative Priorities

OUR 2027 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

For nearly fifty years, the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) has championed practical, mainstream legislation to prevent animal cruelty in Texas. Through ongoing research and collaboration with constituents, stakeholders, and elected officials, we advance common-sense solutions to address our state's most pressing animal welfare challenges.

We are proud to announce our legislative priorities for the 90th Texas Legislative Session. These priorities reflect our commitment to protecting animals, supporting communities, and advancing responsible, effective policies that improve animal welfare across Texas.

This session, THLN will continue working alongside lawmakers, advocates, and supporters to promote meaningful reforms that prevent cruelty, strengthen protections, and create a more humane future for animals throughout our state.

Read the Fact Sheet: Our 2027 Legislative Priorities

TEXAS PRIORITIES

Ethical Pet Sales Bill
Since 2021, THLN has fought to pass the Ethical Pet Sales Bill, and the need for legislation is greater than ever. Retail pet stores that sell cats and dogs fuel demand for animals bred in puppy mills and often cause severe financial hardship for people who buy these pets through predatory financing agreements and costly veterinary care driven by false health claims. The Ethical Pet Sales Bill helps protect Texas families by ensuring retail pet stores cannot sell cats and dogs.

Read the Fact Sheet: Ethical Pet Sales

Read the Fact Sheet: The Connection Between Puppy Mills and Retail Stores

Advisory Council on Preventing and Addressing Animal Cruelty
Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest reported animal cruelty offenses. Despite ranking 15th nationally for the strength of its animal protection laws, Texas still experiences a disproportionately high number of these offenses. This bill would establish the Advisory Council on Preventing and Addressing Animal Cruelty within the Office of the Governor to strengthen Texas’ response through expert guidance and coordination and develop statewide strategies focused on prevention, enforcement, and informed policy recommendations.

Read the Fact Sheet: Advisory Council

Research Animal Adoption Act
The Research Animal Adoption Act would allow dogs and cats used in research to find loving homes when they are no longer needed for research and are healthy enough for adoption. Research facilities in Texas would have to offer these animals for adoption through shelters, rescue groups, or directly to individuals. Almost 96% of dogs used in animal research are beagles, a breed known for its friendly, gentle temperament and suitability as family pets.

Read the Fact Sheet: Research Animal Adoption Act

Shelter Funding Scratch-Off
During the 89th Legislative Session, the Spay Neuter Pilot Program created grant opportunities through 2027 for shelters and nonprofits to fund spay and neuter services. However, funding was limited and quickly allocated, with larger shelters receiving a significant share of grants. This bill would create an innovative approach by dedicating a funding source through a Texas Lottery scratch-off game to support animal shelters statewide. Shelters could apply for grants to expand spay and neuter programs, improve or repair facilities, hire critical staff, and address other local animal welfare needs. This would provide resources to Texas communities without relying on the state’s General Revenue Fund.

Read the Fact Sheet: Shelter Funding Scratch off

Equine Humane Legislation
Clear standards and increased accountability will help protect horses, communities, and the integrity of Texas’ border.
This bill sets minimum requirements for the humane treatment, care, and transport of horses in Texas. It also addresses public safety concerns related to moving horses through the slaughter pipeline and across the international border, including risks involving human and drug trafficking as well as animal and public health.