On February 13, 2026, Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) released its endorsements for the 2026 Primary Election on March 3, 2026.* THLN endorses candidates based on their overall voting record and platform, performance on animal welfare issues as an incumbent, and their previous records at the local level. Since 1975, THLN has ...
Article Written By: Jessica Milligan, Assistant District Attorney and Animal Cruelty Section Chief for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and Sarah Dimas, HCDAO Intern and South Texas College of Law Class of 2019 Law Student It’s an average May morning in Texas. The temperature is rising. A concerned citizen comes home after ...
Applications Open: Shelters and nonprofits apply now! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 28, 2026 Austin, TX — Texas nonprofits, animal shelters, and local governments can now apply for funding through the state’s newly launched $13 million Texas Spay and Neuter Pilot Program (TXSNP). Administered by the Texas Department of State Health Ser...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 8, 2025 Austin, TX — The Texas Humane Legislation Network, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), is excited to share the release of a newly designed Animal-Friendly License Plate available for purchase now for $30, w...
June 5, 2025 AUSTIN, TX – In a historic win for animal welfare and public health, the Texas Legislature has appropriated $13 million over the next two years to launch a statewide pilot program aimed at reducing the population of unvaccinated, unsterilized dogs and cats. The program, to be administered by the Department of State Health ...
May 29, 2025 AUSTIN, TX – On May 24, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 1568/House Bill 3832 by Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) and Representative Pat Curry (R-Waco) into law. Championed by the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), this legislation strengthens Texas’ Animal-Friendly License Plate Program to generate in...
May 20, 2025 AUSTIN, TX – With two weeks left in the legislative session, the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) released a statement following the failure of the Ethical Pet Sales Bill (HB 3458/SB 1652). “With deep disappointment, we share that the Ethical Pet Sales Bill will not advance this session despite broad bipartisan supp...
May 16, 2025 AUSTIN, TX – Today, May 16, 2025, the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) is calling on the Texas Senate to advance SB 1652 by Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini, the Senate companion of HB 3458 by Representative Jared Patterson. Known as the Ethical Pet Sales Bill, HB 3458/SB 1652 promotes transparency, responsible busines...
May 9, 2025 AUSTIN, TX – Today, May 9, 2025, the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) is announcing the 108 Texas retail pet stores that support the Ethical Pet Sales Bill (HB 3458/SB 1652). There are less than 25 days left of the legislative session with important deadlines looming next week. “108 Texas pet stores from 74 different...
April 24, 2025 AUSTIN, TX – Yesterday, April 23, the Ethical Pet Sales Bill (HB 3458) passed out of the House Committee on Trade, Workforce & Economic Development on a vote of 10-1. A legislative priority for the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), this bill would stop the puppy mill pipeline into Texas to protect consumers an...
