Take a deep dive into THLN’s legislative priorities for the 88th Texas Legislature with THLN Executive Director, Shelby Bobosky and THLN Director of Government Relations, Stacy Sutton Kerby to answer questions like:

• What are the priorities for animals this year?
• What are the current issues and challenges?
• Why is animal legislation important?
• How can I get involved in what THLN is doing?

Once you RSVP below, you will receive an email with a link to view the webinar. 

Senator Pete Flores and Representative Brad Buckley, DVM File Legislation to Reform the Texas Licensed Breeders Program

Commonsense changes will provide better oversight of commercial breeders, improve conditions for thousands of dogs and cats, and protect consumers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUSTIN, TX – Today, February 13, 2023, Senator Pete Flores (R-Pleasanton) filed SB 876 and Representative Brad Buckley (R-Killeen) filed HB 2238 to strengthen the Texas Licensed Breeders Program that was created in 2011.

“Since 2011, the Texas Licensed Breeders Program has successfully established basic standards of care in commercial breeding facilities to prevent cruelty before it happens,” said Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director of THLN. “However, loopholes and unenforceable requirements in the Program prevent it from working as lawmakers intended. The Program needs to be reformed to achieve what it was created to do: prevent cruelty in commercial breeding facilities. We are grateful to Senator Flores and Representative Buckley for filing this legislation to protect animals and Texans alike from unscrupulous commercial breeding facilities,” said Bobosky.

SB 876 and HB 2238 will successfully reform the Texas Licensed Breeders Program in two main ways:

• Lowering the number of breeding females threshold from eleven to five. This allows the Program to cover all commercial breeders in Texas, so pregnant females, puppies, or kittens receive basic care to avoid illness and injury. This number still provides an exemption for hobby breeders.
  
  
• Removing the sales threshold. Many breeders conduct cash-only sales, which are untraceable. Thus, proving sales is a major loophole that prevents accountability and enables cruelty in commercial breeding facilities. By removing the sales threshold of 20 dogs and/or cats per year, the Program can monitor more commercial breeders as it was intended to do.

“As a former Game Warden for Texas Parks and Wildlife, I know Texans value, respect, and want to protect animals,” said Texas Senator Pete Flores. “SB 876 makes important improvements to the Texas Licensed Breeders Program safeguarding dogs and cats in commercial breeding facilities. This will help ensure that these animals are cared for as we care for the dogs and cats that are part of our families at home,” finished Flores.

“Texans have proven time and again that our dogs and cats are part of our families,” said Representative Brad Buckley, DVM. “As a veterinarian, the health and well-being of animals is always my top priority. The reality is there are irresponsible breeders who do not prioritize the health of animals and we must hold them to a higher standard. Reforming the Texas Licensed Breeders Program will improve conditions for thousands of dogs and cats and protect those families that choose to love them,” finished Buckley.

"As the author of the 2011 bill that established the Texas Licensed Breeders Program, I wholeheartedly support making two common-sense changes to the Program,” said Senator John Whitmire. “The original intent was to provide greater protection to our animals and by closing these loopholes we will be fulfilling that promise."

“Right now, commercial breeders are operating outside of regulation. The commonsense changes laid out in SB 876 and HB 2238 can promote accountability and ensure basic standards of care apply to all dogs and cats in commercial breeding facilities,” concluded Bobosky.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Cara Gustafson at [email protected] or 561-797-8267.

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We choose to endorse these candidates based on four major criteria:

1. The candidate's overall voting record and platform;
2. The candidate's performance on animal protection issues as an incumbent;
3. The candidate's prospect of mounting a credible, competitive campaign; and
4. The candidate’s previous animal welfare record at the local level.

Our goal is to make Texas more humane by passing laws that protect animals from cruelty and abuse. We encourage supporters to engage with their legislators so we can have a successful legislative session! 

THLN identified the following animal-friendly candidates: 

Endorsed candidates were selected based on the following criteria:

• What is their voting record on animal-related bills?
• How did they respond to questions about important animal welfare issues?
• Are they running an effective campaign?

The following 2022 Primary Runoff candidates have earned THLN's endorsement:

SD27 Morgan LaMantia  

HD60 Glenn Rogers 

HD70 Jamee Jolly  

HD76 Suleman Lalani  

HD100 Venton Jones    

HD133 Shelley Torian Barineau  

HD147 Jolanda Jones

A Primary Runoff election is held when none of the candidates receives 50% or more of the vote to represent their party in the March Primary. The top two vote winners from the March Primary then face each other in the May Primary Runoff...and in Texas, these Runoffs are VERY important. Please don't sit this one out!

Early voting in the Texas Primary Runoff begins Monday, May 16, and ends Friday, May 20.

Runoff election day is Tuesday, May 24. 

Thank you for supporting Humane Candidates! We'll see you at the polls!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 21, 2022

Contact:

Cara Gustafson

[email protected]

(561) 797-8267

THLN and Humane Tomorrow Honor Representative Lynn Stucky in Denton

Rep. Stucky remains a consistent proponent of commonsense animal welfare.

DALLAS -- On Saturday, the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) and Humane Tomorrow co-hosted an event at the Glenn & Shirley Hulcher Family Animal Care Center in Argyle honoring Representative Lynn Stucky of Denton.

“We wholeheartedly endorse Rep. Stucky for re-election as he has remained an unwavering supporter of commonsense animal welfare policy,” said Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director of THLN. “He co-sponsored and was instrumental in the passage of the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act that went into effect in January.”

In his time in the House, Rep. Stucky also voted to end the sale of pet store puppy sales that would close the puppy mill pipeline in Texas and helped pass animal cruelty enhancements in 2017. Rep. Stucky also served as the main veterinarian who worked civil seizure cases in Denton County for many years after THLN helped pass civil seizure legislation.

“As one of three veterinarians in the Texas House, other representatives follow Rep. Stucky’s lead when it comes to animal welfare legislation. Since being elected, he has had a 100% scorecard for our animal welfare bills,” finished Bobosky.  

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2022

Contact:
Cara Gustafson
[email protected]
(561) 797-8267

 THLN Announces Endorsements in the 2022 Primary Election
THLN endorses candidates who have proven to be animal welfare advocates.

AUSTIN, Texas -- This week, the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) released their list of endorsements for the 2022 Primary Election in Texas. 

THLN endorses candidates based on their overall voting record and platform, performance on animal protection issues as an incumbent, and their previous animal welfare record at the local level. Since 1975, THLN has passed essential legislation improving the lives of Texas animals, always with the support and dedication of key elected officials. The list of endorsements demonstrates who THLN believes will fight the hardest for Texas animals in the 2023 legislative session and beyond.

"We strongly believe that animal welfare issues are nonpartisan and endorse both Republican and Democratic candidates who have proven they care about the welfare of Texas animals," said Stacy Sutton Kerby, Director of Government Relations for THLN. "We encourage Texas voters who care deeply about animal issues to consider our endorsements because without these advocates back in the Capitol in 2023, it will be much harder to pass animal welfare laws," finished Kerby.

THLN's 2022 Primary Election endorsements are as follows: 

Texas Senate
John Whitmire (D-SD 15)
Phil King (R-SD 10)
Tan Parker (R-SD 12)

Texas House
Ron Reynolds (D-HD 27)
Erin Zwiener (D-HD 45)
James Talarico (D-HD 50)
Glenn Rogers (R-HD 60)
Lynn Stucky (R-HD 64)
Jeff Leach (R-HD 67)
Mary González (D-HD 75)
Claudia Ordaz Perez (D-HD 79)
Giovanni Capriglione (R-HD 98)
Rhetta Bowers (D-HD 113)
Greg Travis (R-HD 133)
Lacey Hull (R-HD 138)

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THLN, Houston PetSet Celebrate Houston City Council’s Passage of New Updated City Ordinances 
Ordinances include addressing sheltering standards, microchipping, and pet store practices.

January 19, 2022

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Today, the Houston City Council passed a range of new updated city ordinances including ones that are related to animal welfare and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner allocated $1 million to go towards spay and neuter efforts in the city. The Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) and Houston PetSet have been working with the City of Houston on the ordinances to address a myriad of challenges when it comes to animal sheltering and animals in the streets. 

These ordinances will support animal welfare organizations such as Houston’s city-run shelter, Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC), and will change the landscape of animal welfare in Houston for the better. The ordinances include:

-Updating the sheltering standards for outside animals. Owners are now given a clear definition on dog houses, restraints and these changes will help dog owners understand how to tether and house their dogs.

-Implementation of microchips. Loose dogs in the streets will be able to be returned home without ever entering the shelter.

-Cleaning up the dangerous dog ordinance. Houston neighborhoods will become safer with a clearer ordinance. 

-Implementation of the Humane Pet Store ordinance. Current Texas state law does not adequately protect consumers, puppies, or kittens from pet stores selling commercially bred animals with undisclosed health defects. The new ordinance protects consumers and animals alike. 

“THLN is in full support of these ordinances and is so thankful to the City Council, Chairwoman Alcorn and her staff, and leaders at BARC for understanding and supporting these transformational changes,” said Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director of THLN. “It is our hope that the people of Houston support these ordinances and BARC Houston in their efforts to keep the animals and people of Houston safer,” finished Bobosky. 

“These proposed ordinances are so important for the people and pets in the city of Houston,” said Tama Lundquist, Houston PetSet Co-President. “Having these ordinances will reduce the number of animals in our shelters by disallowing dogs from puppy mills to be sold in stores. Houston PetSet and dozens of our rescue partners are so happy for the leadership of Chairwoman Alcorn, BARC and THLN for supporting these ordinance changes to improve the welfare of pets and pet owners in the city of Houston,” finished Lundquist.  

“We would also like to thank Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner for allocating $1 million to BARC for spay/neuter services,” said Bobosky. “Mayor Turner recognizes that spaying and neutering is incredibly important to the safety of the City of Houston."

For more information about the ordinances, or to schedule an interview please contact Cara Gustafson at 561-797-8267 or [email protected]. 

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The Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) is a 501c4 non-profit with over 45 years of experience at the Texas state capitol. THLN’s mission is to promote the humane treatment of animals through legislation and advocacy. THLN was instrumental in passing the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, making dogfighting illegal, creating humane standards for Texas shelters, establishing the Animal-Friendly license plate program, and enhancing the animal cruelty law. To learn more about THLN, please visit THLN.org.

Houston PetSet’s mission is to end the homelessness and suffering of companion animals and elevate their status in society. We envision a world where companion animals do not suffer and are valued by society.  

Ordinance will close the puppy mill pipeline to Dallas and protect unsuspecting Texas families from deceptive financial practices. 

December 6, 2021

DALLAS, TX -- On Monday, December 6, the Dallas City Council Committee on Quality of Life, Arts, & Culture held a briefing agenda at 3 p.m. Led by Chair Council Member Adam Bazaldua, one of the briefing agenda items was the Dallas Humane Pet Store Ordinance. Since January, the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) has been working to pass the ordinance and ban the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores to prevent cruel breeding practices. Joined by the Humane Society of the United States, THLN presented to the committee to raise awareness, garner support, and ultimately pass this important Ordinance in early 2022.

“Similar to laws in over 30 states, the Humane Pet Store Ordinance will prohibit the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores and stop hundreds of sick puppies from being brought into Texas from puppy mills across state lines,” said Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director of THLN. “It will protect consumers from ending up with unhealthy puppies and illusory practices that lock unknowing Texans into years-long, deceptive financial commitments and high-interest rates on top of exorbitant vet bills.”

This Ordinance would also support dozens of local, Dallas-based humane pet stores that do not sell puppies but rather rehome thousands of dogs who need loving families.

“Over the years, our THLN hotline has regularly received complaints of Dallas retail stores selling sick or unhealthy puppies. We now have an opportunity to end a cruel practice that hurts puppies and unsuspecting Texans simply trying to get a new pet,” said Bobosky. “We are so grateful to Chair Bazaldua and Mayor Pro Tem West for their support and attention to such a vital animal welfare issue right here in our community.”

After the Council Committee members have been briefed, it is THLN’s hope that the Committee will ask for the Ordinance to move forward to the Dallas Animal Services Shelter Commission in January 2022, then to the Dallas City Council for their consideration in February 2022.

“We applaud Chairman Bazaldua and Mayor Pro Tem West for their support of this important ordinance and look forward to working with the City Council to ensure its passage,” said Lauren Loney, Texas State Director for the Humane Society of the United States. “The values of Dallas cannot be reflected by continuing to allow the sale of puppies from cruel puppy mills to unsuspecting local consumers.”

To learn more or schedule an interview, contact Cara Gustafson at (561) 797-8267 or [email protected] 

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Safe Outdoor Dogs Act Headed to Governor’s Desk at the Close of the Third Special Session
The act clarifies previous law and establishes basic standards of shelter and care for unattended dogs restrained outdoors.

October 19, 2021

Austin, Texas – Late last night, SB 5, the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, passed out of both chambers and is now heading to the Governor’s desk. A top legislative priority for the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act establishes basic standards of shelter and care for dogs left outdoors and clarifies existing law to promote the safety of animals and the people around them.

After the Safe Outdoor Dogs bill passed both chambers and was subsequently vetoed by the Governor during the regular legislative session earlier this year, THLN worked with the Governor’s office to ensure all of the items in his veto proclamation were addressed. The current bill is similar to the one filed during the regular session and still maintains its purpose of protecting dogs and the people around them from inhumane tethering.

"The passage of the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act is a critical step toward protecting restrained dogs and improving public safety, while still respecting the freedoms of Texas dog owners," said Stacy Sutton Kerby, Director of Government Relations for THLN. "We are thrilled and so thankful to our bill authors Representative Jared Patterson and Senator Lucio Jr. for their tireless efforts to get this bill to the finish line. We are hopeful that Governor Abbott signs it into law.”

The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act will ensure dogs have access to drinkable water and can move around without being trapped in standing water or any other dangerous substance. Along with preventing exposure to extreme weather, the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act removed the 24-hour waiting period that previously prevented animal control and law enforcement officers from taking immediate action. Going forward, officers will be able to assist tethered dogs in distress as soon as they arrive on the scene. 

The law also includes key exemptions for dogs restrained in public places like parks and campgrounds, those used for farming, field trials, and hunting tasks, dogs restrained via a trolley system, and those temporarily unattended in an open-air truck bed. 

"This was a tough legislative session for everyone. We are especially grateful for the effort legislators and supporters made to get this law passed," finished Kerby.  

To learn more or schedule an interview about the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, contact Cara Gustafson at (561) 797-8267 or [email protected] 

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SB 5/HB 104 AKA The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act has passed the Senate! This session is moving quickly, as expected, and we would like to clear up any confusion surrounding the bill.

Legislation would be similar to SB 474 that passed during the regular session but would address the concerns in the Governor's veto proclamation.

September 9, 2021

Austin, Texas – On Tuesday, Governor Abbott released his agenda for the third special session and included legislation similar to the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, which the Governor vetoed during the regular legislative session. 

"Governor Abbott’s inclusion of the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act on the special session agenda is a huge step toward passing this bill before the next regular session in 2023," said Stacy Sutton Kerby, Director of Government Relations for the Texas Humane Legislation Network. "We are hopeful that we will be able to address the Governor’s concerns and ensure a safer future for dogs across Texas."

The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act establishes basic standards of shelter and care for dogs left outdoors and clarifies the existing law to promote the safety of animals and the people around them. The bill was a top legislative priority for THLN and had the support of over 100 co-authors during the regular legislative session, as well as law enforcement and thousands of Texans across the state.

"There is no doubt that we would not have had a second opportunity to pass the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act this year without the dedication of our thousands of supporters across Texas and our legislative champions on both sides of the aisle,"  said Kerby. “We will continue to fight and improve the lives of restrained outdoor dogs.”

To learn more or to schedule an interview about the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, contact Tori Varyu at (425) 577-2072 or [email protected] 

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Tackling Tigers: Why the Big Cat Public Safety Act is Critical to Protecting Communities, Big Cats, and Ending Wildlife Trafficking in the U.S.

Texas is a hot spot for the private possession, breeding, and trafficking of big cats such as lions, tigers, and cheetahs. The problems flowing from private possession are myriad, including the threat to public safety, a lack of information about the number and location of big cats, and the attendant cruelty that results when big cats are owned by individuals who lack the expertise and resources to care for them properly. 

Outside of Texas, some states ban private ownership altogether, some regulate in part, and others have no regulation. In short, this regulatory patchwork fails to protect public safety and big cats. The problem requires a federal solution and the time to do it is NOW.

Please join us as Carney Anne Nasser-Garcia, an expert on big cat ownership, will explain how HR 263 - the Big Cat Public Safety Act - will protect the public, first responders, and big cats by prohibiting private ownership.

Carney Anne is the "go-to person in the country for laws about big cat ownership.” She became the second full-time animal law professor in the world when Michigan State University hired her to be the founding director of the law school’s animal law clinic. She is the attorney who pitched the wildlife trafficking case against notorious "Tiger King" Joe Exotic to federal prosecutors and investigators.

Nasser-Garcia is a frequent contributor to media outlets like National Geographic, Al Jazeera, Dr. Oz, The New York Times, and global wildlife meetings like the CITES treaty meetings. After over a decade working in academia and the nonprofit animal protection community, she now serves as an independent expert consultant for NGOs, government agencies, investigative journalists, and lawmakers and is about to embark on a one-year research fellowship in animal law and policy at Harvard University. She hosts a podcast called Tiger Talk which she takes listeners behind the scenes of the big cat trade through discussions with other experts in the protection and conservation of big cats.

Nasser-Garcia lives in New Orleans with her husband, three sons, and two grumpy rescued Shih Tzus.

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The bill received overwhelming support from both parties and rural lawmakers

June 21, 2021

Austin, Texas – The Texas Humane Legislative Network’s (THLN) Executive Director Shelby Bobosky released the following statement regarding Governor Abbott’s veto of Senate Bill 474. The bill would have provided much-needed clarification to existing law to establish basic standards of outdoor shelter and restraint for dogs.

“THLN and its thousands of members across Texas are devastated by the veto of the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act. Governor Abbott says that the current Texas statute already protects dogs, but this bill – which was carried with active support from sheriffs, law enforcement and animal control offers – would have clarified the vague language that makes the statute completely unenforceable. SB 474 contained simple fixes to protect dogs that are left outside on heavy chains with no shelter or water in a state that experiences extreme high and low temperatures. All the elements Governor Abbott cited as “micromanagement” were carefully negotiated compromises that addressed concerns from lawmakers in both parties to strike the right balance for our diverse state. The passage of the bill in both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support from rural, urban, and suburban members was the result of six years of tireless effort by THLN and all stakeholders who care for dogs inhumanely restrained outdoors. The issues that this bill intended to address will not go away, and neither will we. Preventing animal cruelty while making our state a safer place is one of the few nonpartisan issues facing the legislature and animal advocates are reliable primary and general voters.”

To learn more or schedule an interview, contact Tori Varyu at (425) 577-2072 or [email protected] 

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Animal Law Expert and Animal Lawyer Randy Turner provides an update to changes to laws and service animals and emotional support animals.  

Under Texas law and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities may bring their service animals to all public accommodations, such as government buildings, hotels, restaurants, stadiums, and stores. These laws also require those who operate transportation services to allow service animals. But recent trends show confusion with emotional support animals and the varying definitions.

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Houston Chronicle, May 17, 2021

Katy Petland, a pet store that sells puppies, is under fire from the Humane Society of the United States for selling puppies from puppy mills rife with cruelty allegations.

The HSUS issues its "Horrible Hundred" report each year of puppy mills that operate under "gruesome conditions" and identifies the pet stores that bought puppies from those puppy mills. This year's report released May 10, accuses Petland stores of purchasing and then reselling the animals bred under inhumane conditions.

"The annual Horrible Hundred report provides a sampling of problem puppy mills and puppy brokers based on state and federal inspection records, complaints from the public, and undercover investigation findings,'' said Kristen Peek, media relations for HSUS. "This year's report uncovers dogs suffering across the country in puppy mills, many of which are licensed and all of which are still in business despite years of animal care violations, including citations for injured and emaciated dogs, dogs and puppies exposed to extreme weather, and dogs found living in filthy and miserable conditions."

The pandemic made conditions even worse for the animals, said John Goodwin, senior director of HSUS's Stop Puppy Mills campaign. "While the USDA paused many of their in-person inspections during the pandemic, dogs were left more at risk than ever," he said. "Public records and our undercover work show that Petland and other pet stores continue to buy commercial breeding operations where dogs languish in miserable conditions."

Elizabeth Kunzelman, media relations for Petland, refuted the HSUS' claims that the corporation purchased puppies from puppy mills.

"Every year, the Washington D.C. fundraising giant, Humane Society of the United States -not to be confused with your local Humane Society or shelter- publishes this highly exaggerated report of allegations without ever having stepped foot in most of these kennels," she countered. "In fact, in their own report, they acknowledge that they were not actually on site."

Kunzelman said that when HSUS issued its report, Petland began conducting an internal study to make sure their puppies were sourced from humane breeders.

"In order to target Petland, HSUS sprinkles in some good breeders with misrepresented information to make them all appear negligent," she said. "HSUS alleges eight of the 100 breeders listed are linked to Petland, and some of the suggested links are questionable and/or outdated at best. Additionally, much of the information provided goes back more than seven years with no violations since. The 70-page report is rife with misinformation and false statements about Petland."

Kunzelman accused the HSUS of making claims against Petland despite not having visited all the breeders in question. "Unlike HSUS, at Petland we actually visit breeders and work with them on their continuous education programs," she said. "At Petland, we care about where American families will obtain their next pet and we support responsible American breeders."

Goodwin argued that the numbers spoke for themselves, adding that Petland is the only national chain retailer that still sells puppies from mass breeders.

"Dozens of pet stores across the country, including at least 21 Petland stores, purchased puppies from dealers in this year's report," he said. "This flies in the face of Petland's claim that they only purchase from top quality breeders."

Local animal advocacy groups rallied behind the HSUS' findings, stating that the report is further proof of the proliferation of cruelty in puppy mills.

Houston PetSet, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to alleviating the homelessness and suffering of Houston's companion animals, is currently backing legislation that would issue more stringent reporting practices for puppy retailers like Petland.

House Bill 1818 would require Petland to maintain thorough documents regarding the source of the puppies and submit to regular inspections by animal services.

"Animal homelessness is a crisis in our community and HB 1818 would alleviate some of the burdens that local rescues and shelters are currently shouldering," said Tena Lundquist Faust, Co-President of Houston PetSet. "Not only would this bill prevent both humans and their pets from unnecessary suffering, it would also prevent the unnecessary euthanization of otherwise unwanted animals. In Texas, more than 100,000 animals are put down every year, and HB 1818 could help bring that number down significantly."

clair[email protected]

SB 474 clarifies existing law and establishes basic standards of shelter and care for dogs restrained outdoors.

May 19, 2021

Austin, Texas – The Texas Legislature has passed SB 474 by Chair Nicole Collier (D-Dallas) and Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. (D-Brownsville) out of both chambers. A top legislative priority for the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), the Safe Outdoor Dogs bill will establish basic standards of shelter and care for dogs left outdoors and provide much-needed clarification to existing law to promote the safety of animals and the people around them.

"Our Texas legislators are taking a critical step toward protecting outdoor dogs and improving public safety, while still respecting the freedoms of Texas dog owners," said Stacy Sutton Kerby, Director of Government Relations for THLN. "We are thrilled and so thankful for both the authors and the over 90 joint-authors and co-authors."

The legislation also ensures dogs have access to drinkable water and can move around without being trapped in standing water or any other dangerous substance. Along with preventing exposure to extreme weather, the legislation strikes the 24-hour waiting period in the current statute. This will allow law enforcement to address critical situations immediately before tragedy happens. 

The bill also includes key exemptions for dogs restrained in public places like parks and campgrounds, those used for farming, field trials, and hunting tasks, dogs restrained on a trolley system, and those temporarily unattended in an open-air truck bed. 

"We are so thankful to Chair Collier and Senator Lucio for their tireless leadership on the Safe Outdoor Dogs bill and for all the Texans who reached out to their legislators urging them to protect Texas dogs and the people around them," finished Kerby. 

To learn more or to schedule an interview about the Safe Outdoor Dogs bill, contact Cara Gustafson at 561-797-8267 or [email protected]. 

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CALL TO ACTION: We need ALL Capitol Crusaders in the Austin area to come to the Capitol to support HB 1818!

Under the strong leadership of Rep. Patterson, the bill would create a civil penalty for pet stores selling puppies and kittens from puppy mills. April 28, 2021 AUSTIN, Texas -- Today, the Texas House passed HB 1818, which would help stop the pipeline of puppy mill animals to retail pet stores in Texas. A top legislative priority for the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), HB 1818 would require pet stores to source animals from local animal control agencies, animal shelters, and rescue organizations. "Currently, we see hundreds of Texans every year purchase animals who are sick, make their families sick, and cost them thousands of dollars in vet bills or balloon payments to retail pet stores," said Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director of THLN. "HB 1818 would protect consumers from unknowingly purchasing sick and ill-bred puppies and kittens, while also cracking down on cruel puppy mill practices." The majority of retail pet stores source their animals from out of state and many from puppy mill breeders. Currently, pet stores have no specific regulatory requirements beyond local ordinances, and often do not provide the health or vaccination history of an animal to its new owner. However, municipal shelters and nonprofit rescues must disclose this information per state law, providing the new owner with a more transparent process and overall healthier animal. The bill would not affect licensed, legitimate breeders, as only 4% sell their animals through retail pet stores. It would also not affect counties with a population of less than 200,000 as smaller communities may not have the number of animals needed to supply retail pet stores.  "In closing, we want to extend a huge thank you to Representative Patterson for his hard work on HB 1818 and his dedication to Texas animals." For additional information, visit thln.org or contact Cara Gustafson at 561-797-8267 or [email protected]  ###

SB 474 would clarify existing law and establish basic standards of shelter and care for dogs restrained outdoors.

April 14, 2021

Austin, Texas – Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice passed SB 474 by Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. (D-Brownsville) on a vote of 4 to 0. A top legislative priority for the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), SB 474 would establish basic standards of shelter and care for dogs left outdoors and provide much-needed clarification to existing law to promote the safety of animals and the people around them.

"Yesterday's vote is a critical step toward protecting outdoor dogs, improving public safety, and still respecting the freedoms of Texas dog owners," said Stacy Sutton Kerby, Director of Government Relations for THLN. "We are grateful to Chair John Whitmire and the members of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice for their support on this important legislative issue."

The legislation also ensures dogs have access to drinkable water and can move around without being trapped in standing water or any other dangerous substance. Along with preventing exposure to extreme weather, the legislation strikes the 24-hour waiting period in the current statute. This will allow law enforcement to address critical situations immediately, before tragedy strikes. 

The bill also includes key exemptions to respect dog owners' choices and the variety of ways in which dogs accompany Texans outdoors. Exemptions include dogs restrained in public places like parks and campgrounds, those used for farming, field trials, hunting tasks, dogs restrained on a trolley system, and those temporarily unattended in an open-air truck bed. 

"We thank Senator Lucio for his leadership on the Safe Outdoor Dogs bill, and we look forward to continuing moving through the legislative process, where we already see strong, bipartisan support," finished Kerby. 

To learn more or schedule an interview about Safe Outdoor Dogs legislation, contact Cara Gustafson at 561-797-8267 or [email protected] 

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