April 11, 2025
AUSTIN, TX – This week, the Ethical Pet Sales Bill, HB 3458, was heard in the House Committee on Trade, Workforce & Economic Development. A legislative priority for the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), this bill would stop the puppy mill pipeline into Texas to protect consumers and animals alike.
“We are so thankful to Representative Jared Patterson for authoring HB 3458 in the Texas House for the third consecutive session, as well as to Chair Button and Committee members for hearing this bill and asking great questions,” said Shelby Bobosky, THLN’s Executive Director.
“We appreciate all the witnesses that showed up to advocate for this bill, including victims of retail pet stores who bravely told their heartbreaking stories of purchasing sick dogs and incurring thousands of dollars in vet bills – even tens of thousands. While these families purchased sick puppies from different pet stores in different areas across the state, they all dealt with the same devastating outcomes.
“This legislation does not intend to shut down retail pet stores, as some owners falsely claimed at the hearing. It ensures collaboration with animal care facilities or rescues to showcase dogs and cats for adoption, instead of for profit. In fact, the Committee heard testimony from a retail pet store owner who does not sell puppies, proving that it is possible to operate a profitable small business without selling puppies.
“This legislation also does not limit consumer choice as falsely stated. Rather, it protects consumers. Texans can still find purebred or designer pets through licensed breeders or hobby breeders within the state. Of note, a breeder licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR) and serves on the TDLR Licensed Breeder Program committee testified on breeding for preservation and not to sell to pet stores.
“18 cities have passed local ordinances banning this practice to stop the puppy pipeline into Texas, and it’s time for the Texas Legislature to end retail pet sales once and for all on the state level. We remain focused on getting this legislation through both chambers and to the Governor’s desk. The Ethical Pet Sales Bill can — and will — promote transparency, consumer protections, and the humane treatment of animals,” concluded Bobosky.
See below for highlights of the hearing during the House Trade, Workforce, Economic Development Committee on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Click here to watch. HB 3458 begins at the 01:24:00 mark where Representative Patterson introduces the bill.
01:44:00 – Petland Katy victim tells her story from purchasing a sick puppy in March 2025.
01:54:00 – Petland Frisco victim tells her story from purchasing a sick puppy in March 2025.
02:01:00 – Petland Dallas [which is now closed] victim tells her story from purchasing a sick puppy in 2020.
02:06:00 – Puppy Dreams Arlington victim tells his story from purchasing a sick puppy in December 2023.
02:15:00 – Testimony from TDLR licensed breeder who also serves on the TDLR Licensed Breeder Program committee.
02:23:00 – Testimony from pet retailer that does not sell puppies.
02:31:00 – Testimony from former kennel tech/employee of two retail pet stores, Petland San Antonio Vineyard and Royal Pet Palace [San Antonio].
02:37:00 – Testimony from DFW animal welfare attorney who spoke on the contracts, lawsuits, settlements, and NDAs.
02:40:00 – Testimony from President of the Texas Animal Control Association (TACA).
02:54:00 – Testimony from Shelby Bobosky, THLN’s Executive Director.
03:11:00 – Representative Patterson closes on the bill; Committee adjourns.
Additional notes
Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) has filed Senate Bill 1652, the companion bill in the Senate. It is awaiting a hearing.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Cara Gustafson at 561-797-8267 or [email protected].
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