AUSTIN, TX – As temperatures continue soaring across the state, the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) is offering tips on how Texans can best protect their pets

“In triple-digit heat across our state, it’s not just us humans who feel the impact of the scorching sun,” said Shelby Bobosky, THLN Executive Director. “We have been inundated with calls, emails, and texts from concerned Texans about the laws in these brutally hot conditions and what they can do to help. Our four-legged companions are more susceptible to the dangers of extreme heat, and just like we take precautions to stay safe and comfortable, we must remember that our pets rely on us to protect them.”

The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act passed in 2021 protects dogs tethered outdoors by:
- Defining adequate shelter to shield dogs from extreme temperatures and standing water and ensuring the dog can stand, turn around, and lie down.
- Requiring access to drinkable water.
- Striking the 24-hour waiting period so action can be taken immediately.

If there are heat advisory warnings and you encounter a dog outside without shelter or water, you can:
- Ask your local animal control to do a welfare check. 
- Confining an animal in a crate in direct sunlight without shade during extreme heat can be charged as animal cruelty.  

It’s vital to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in dogs: 
- Signs include excessive panting or drooling; rapid heart rate; lethargy or weakness; loss of coordination; bright red gums or tongue; vomiting or diarrhea; and glazed eyes. 
- Dogs experiencing heat stroke may collapse, experience seizures, and even loss of consciousness or a coma. 

If you see a dog in a hot car, here’s what you can do:

- Act quickly. On a warm day, the temperature inside a vehicle can increase by 20°F (11°C) within 10 minutes.
- Assess the situation. Where is the car parked? In direct sunlight? What is the current temperature outside? Is the dog showing any signs of stress and symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke? Is the owner nearby?
- Notify authorities. Contact local law enforcement or animal control to report the situation. Ensure you have the exact location, description of the car, and license plate number, if possible. Photos or videos can be helpful to authorities. 
- Spread awareness. Notify nearby businesses or individuals about the situation to raise awareness and potentially locate the car’s owner.
- Continue to monitor the dog. If you can, stay near the car to keep an eye on the dog until help arrives. Note any changes in its condition and update the authorities when they come.

Rendering aid to an animal in heat-related distress will NOT result in civil action against you.
In 2011, THLN passed a law (HB 2471 by Rep. Larry Phillips and Sen. Robert Deuell) that limits the civil liability of a person, an animal control agency, or an animal control agency employee who renders aid to an injured or distressed animal from a civil action brought because of seeking or providing such care.

Dogs’ paw pads can quickly burn on hot pavement. Here’s how you can prevent painful burns: 
- Test the pavement. If you can’t comfortably hold your palm on the pavement for 10 seconds, your dog’s paws risk getting burnt. 
- Walk during cooler times. Schedule walks during the early morning or late evening when the pavement is cooler. Avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day.
- Use protective gear. Use booties or paw wax to provide a barrier between their paws and the hot surface.
- Walk on grass or shaded areas. Choose grassy or shaded routes instead of hot pavement to minimize the risk of burns. 

“By adopting preventive measures and incorporating simple but effective practices during hot temperature months, we can create a safer environment for our furry friends and provide them the care they deserve during these extreme weather conditions,” said Erin Van Landingham, Executive Director of the Texas Humane Network.

Click here for a comprehensive FAQ document. To learn more or to schedule an interview, contact Cara Gustafson at 561-797-8267 or [email protected]. 

Texas Humane Legislation Network is a 48-year-old organization and is the only Texas-based organization focused on addressing unjust state animal welfare laws.

THLN’s sister organization, Texas Humane Network, was founded in 2020. Texas Humane Network’s mission is to promote the humane treatment of animals through education, outreach, and training.

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Join the THLN Junior Advocate Program!

About the THLN Junior Advocate Program

This one-of-a-kind program allows students to take their passion and love for animals and effect positive change in various ways. The Junior Advocate teaches the students how to become knowledgeable regarding trending animal welfare issues in Texas. They also meet their legislators and help raise awareness about animal welfare statewide among their peers. Teaching kindness to animals through our children will lead to a more humane future.

Join the THLN Junior Advocate Program and become a champion for animals TODAY!

To apply for this program, please complete your application here.

THLN Junior Advocates Madeline and Isabelle Cospolich advocating on behalf of THLN in Senator Royce West’s office and with Representative John Bryant (Texas House District 114) on Humane Lobby Day.

THLN Junior Advocate Zarley and Ziggy Aigen with Rep. Matt Shaheen (Texas House District 66) and Rep. Venton Jones (Texas House District 100) during different legislative sessions.

Rock the Vote 2020 featuring THLN Junior Advocate Bella Grace Burgan, and Ziggy Aigen. 

Background: Texas passed a law regulating large-scale cat and dog breeders in 2011 (Texas Occupations Code – Chapter 802 – Dog or Cat Breeders Act). While the 2011 law successfully prevented animal cruelty at licensed facilities, loopholes allowed numerous large-scale breeders to avoid inspections and meet basic standards of care. By 2023, it was clear that the Texas Licensed Breeders Law needed reform to regulate commercial breeders masquerading as hobbyists. 

SB 876 does just that: first, by requiring breeders with five or more breeding females to be licensed. Previously, only breeders with eleven or more breeding females were regulated, which meant a large swath of the industry went sight unseen. According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) study, unlicensed breeding facilities are responsible for most cruelty and neglect complaints.  

Second, SB 876 removes the need to prove a breeder sold 20 or more animals in a calendar year. Many breeders conduct cash-only sales, which are untraceable. By removing the “proof of sales” requirement, SB 876 closes a significant loophole that allowed commercial breeders to evade accountability. This legislation will effectuate change for thousands of animals across the state and allow the Texas Licensed Breeders Law to oversee the industry as originally intended.  

SB 876 was authored by Representative Brad Buckley and co-authored by Senator Pete Flores and Senator John Whitmire. SB 876 is effective September 1, 2023, and breeders with five or more breeding females must be licensed by January 1, 2024. 

About the Legislation

SB 876 The Texas Licensed Breeders Law

Bill Caption: Relating to the licensing and regulation of dog and cat breeders; expanding the applicability of an occupational license. Effective on: September 1, 2023 Companion Bills: HB 274 and HB 2238 Author and Coauthors: Flores | Whitmire | Hinojosa | Menéndez | WestSponsors: Buckley | Patterson | Lalani Cosponsors: Leo-Wilson

Read more about this bill

Background: In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of non-disabled people misrepresenting their pet dogs as service animals so their pets can accompany them in public spaces. Increased incidents of pet dogs distracting or attacking service animals have diminished safety and independence for disabled people who rely on service animals to navigate daily life. After negative encounters with imposters, some businesses have denied legitimate service animals access to their establishments, and significant numbers of service dog teams have begun avoiding public spaces for fear of being accosted by untrained pets.  

HB 4164 amends Section 121.006 of the Human Resources Code by clarifying the language describing a service animal and strengthening the penalties for misrepresenting an animal as a service animal when they are not specially trained to help a person with a disability. As a result of HB 4164, the fine for asserting an untrained pet is a service animal will increase from $300 to $1000, and the offender may be required to perform 30 hours of community service for organizations serving persons with disabilities. HB 4164 was authored by Representative Philip Cortez and sponsored by Senator John Whitmire. HB 4164 takes effect September 1, 2023. 

READ THLN'S FACT SHEET.

About the Legislation

HB 4164 The Fraudulent Service Dog Law

Bill Caption: Relating to the improper use and treatment of an assistance animal or service animal; increasing a criminal penalty. Effective on: September 1, 2023 Authors: Cortez | Goodwin | SlawsonSponsor: Whitmire

Read more about this bill

Background: In late 2022, confusion erupted over whether Trap-Neuter-Return (T-N-R) of unowned community cats should be considered “abandonment” under the Texas animal cruelty law (Texas Penal Code §42.092 - Cruelty to Non-livestock Animals). T-N-R is widely regarded as a humane method of stabilizing the feral cat population by humanely trapping them, transporting them to veterinary clinics for sterilization and vaccination, then tipping their ear as a sign they have been treated. T-N-R programs save many thousands of Texas cats from euthanasia annually, and the prospect of prosecuting T-N-R providers for abandonment threatened to end successful programs across the state. 

HB 3660 updates Section 42.092(a) of the Texas Penal Code by defining a "Trap-Neuter-Return Program" as a means of nonlethal population control and adding defense to prosecution for returning T-N-R cats to their outdoor homes. As a result, the law now clearly distinguishes between abandoning an owned companion animal versus releasing a T-N-R cat. Under the penal code, the unreasonable abandonment of an owned companion animal is punishable by a fine of up to $4,000, jail time of up to a year, or both.  

This much-needed legislation updates the penal code without weakening the penalty for actual abandonment and protects T-N-R providers from undue prosecution. HB 3660 was authored by Representative Cody Vasut and Senator Judith Zaffirini and goes into effect on September 1, 2023. 

READ THLN'S FACT SHEET.

About the Legislation

HB 3660 TNR Is Not Abandonment

Bill Caption: Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of cruelty to nonlivestock animals under certain circumstances. Effective Immediately as of: June 10, 2023Companion Bill: SB 1862 Authors: Vasut | CainSponsor: Zaffirini Cosponsor: Whitmire

Read more about this bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

T-N-R programs control outdoor cat populations in a safe and humane way.

AUSTIN, Texas – Today, May 19, HB 3660, by Representative Cody Vasut and Senator Judith Zaffirini, officially heads to Governor Abbott's desk after passing the Senate 31-0 this week and passing in the House in late April.

Currently, there is a request for an opinion before Attorney General Ken Paxton to determine whether T-N-R programs conflict with the animal cruelty section on unlawful abandonment. This bill clarifies that T-N-R programs in Texas are not considered abandonment under the Texas animal cruelty law and therefore protects such programs. T-N-R programs control cat populations without unnecessarily killing the animals through spaying, neutering, and vaccination.  

"No Texan should go to jail simply for participating in a T-N-R program like those which have been around for decades," said Representative Vasut. "I appreciate my local district attorney and animal welfare groups bringing this issue to my attention."

“We applaud Representative Vasut and Senator Zaffirini for passing this important legislation that will ensure T-N-R programs are not misconstrued, and unlawful abandonment under the Texas animal cruelty law is not weakened,” said Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN). “We advocate for T-N-R programs in Texas as they have proven to keep cat populations in our communities humanely controlled. THLN was instrumental in passing the Animal Cruelty Bill in 1997, then strengthening it four more times. At no time has THLN ever considered a T-N-R program abandonment under the Texas animal cruelty law.”  

“TACA strongly believes that local jurisdictions are best suited to determine what programs and services are most appropriate for their individual communities,” said Jamey Cantrell, President Texas Animal Control Association. “Cities, counties, non-profits, and individuals across Texas have chosen to utilize T-N-R for humane population management, and any limitation on the use of this life-saving technique will set the animal welfare movement in Texas back decades.”

“Texas Pets Alive! has long championed the ethical process of T-N-R, knowing it saves lives,” said Katie Jarl, Executive Director of Texas Pets Alive!. “The goal of T-N-R programs is to protect the life-saving efforts of animal welfare organizations and advocate to increase live release rates throughout Texas.”

“Aside from saving the lives of tens of thousands of cats in Texas every year, the practice of T-N-R creates healthier communities by protecting from disease through vaccines and decreases the free-roaming cat population by stopping new litters from being born,” said Ed Jamison, President of Texas Unites. 

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

After passing the House and Senate, HB 598 now heads to the Governor’s Desk. 

AUSTIN, Texas – HB 598 by Representative Matt Shaheen (R-Plano) passed the Texas House and Senate and is on its way to Governor Abbott’s desk to be signed into law. The bill prevents previous perpetrators of animal cruelty from possessing an animal and establishes an enhanced offense for repeat offenders in an attempt to prevent future violence.

“We are so grateful to Representative Shaheen, Joint-Author Representative Bhojani, and Senate Sponsor Whitmire for working on this momentous legislation that will interrupt cycles of violence for animals and people alike,” said Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN). “Decades of research show that violence inflicted upon animals is the single greatest predictor that an abuser will escalate to hurting people, like in the Uvalde shooting. Unless interrupted early on, animal abusers have a very high incidence of recidivism. In 2017, THLN led a successful effort to strengthen our state’s animal cruelty law, considered one of the most effective animal cruelty laws in the United States, and this law goes hand in hand with continuing to protect our pets.”

“Turning a blind eye to animal cruelty is something our children, families, and communities simply cannot afford,” said HB 598 Author Representative Shaheen. “HB 598 is the next logical step in closing the loophole in Texas law that allows abusers continued access to animals.”

“When animals are safe from harm, our communities as a whole are safer,” said Joint-Author Representative Salman Bhojani. “I am proud to be a Joint-Author on this legislation that will allow the state to intervene before violence occurs.”

“As the author of the original animal cruelty law in Texas, I am proud to be the Senate sponsor of HB 598 by Representatives Shaheen and Bhojani,” said Senate Sponsor John Whitmire. “This new law will help ensure people accused of animal cruelty will no longer have access to animals and will help break the cycle of animal abuse.”

“It is clear that current penalties for animal abuse do little to actually stop abuse,” said Jamey Cantrell, President of the Texas Animal Control Association (TACA). “Prosecutors trying these cases often see the same offenders over and again, sometimes immediately after the conclusion of the offender's last criminal case. This legislation makes it clear that someone convicted of animal cruelty cannot own an animal and establishes a Class B misdemeanor for repeat offenders.”

Current law does not prevent people convicted of animal cruelty from acquiring more animals, causing legitimate concern that Texas law does not adequately prevent future violence. HB 598 addresses this concern and aims to keep animals out of an environment with a convicted animal abuser.

“While HB 598 is not an end-all-be-all solution, it is a first step toward interrupting the cycle of abuse at its earliest stages, and making Texas safer for our communities,” concluded Bobosky. 

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 SB 876 would strengthen the Texas Licensed Breeders Program and improve conditions for commercially-bred dogs and cats.

AUSTIN, TX – This week, SB 876 by Senator Pete Flores (R-Pleasanton) passed out of the Senate on a vote of 22 to 8. The legislation now moves to the House.

“We are so grateful to our bill authors, Senator Whitmire, Senator Flores, and the newest co-author, Senator Jose Menéndez for supporting this legislation,” said Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director of THLN. "SB 876 will strengthen the Texas Licensed Breeders Program to establish basic standards of care in commercial breeding facilities and prevent cruelty before it happens. Currently, loopholes and unenforceable requirements have prevented the Program from working as lawmakers intended," said Bobosky.

SB 876 will provide two key changes to the Texas Licensed Breeders Program:

1. 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, and their puppies or kittens receive basic care to avoid illness and injury. However, the threshold still provides an exemption for hobby breeders, and the bill provides further exemptions for certain specialty breeders.
    
2. Removing the sales threshold. Currently, the Program only provides oversight to breeders who sell 20 or more puppies or kittens per year. However, many breeders conduct cash-only sales, which are untraceable. Thus, the sales threshold is a major loophole for unscrupulous breeders that prevents accountability and enables cruelty in commercial breeding facilities. By removing the sales threshold, the Program can monitor more commercial breeders as it was intended to do.

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

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

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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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