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 business practices, and the humane treatment of animals, while creating new opportunities for Texas shelters and rescues.

"Although the midnight deadline has passed and HB 3458 failed to get a vote in the Texas House, the Ethical Pet Sales Bill is not dead and the fight to stop the puppy mill pipeline into Texas is not over," said Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director of THLN. "Chairman Schwertner can move the Senate companion, SB 1652, forward by allowing a vote out of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce. The House has until May 27 to pass any Senate bills that are sent over, but time is running out. Texas has been a leader in animal welfare the past two legislative sessions, but if we don’t act now, we risk undoing that progress. In the last 18 months alone, 10 new retail pet stores have opened their doors in Texas, and more are on the way. This means tens of thousands of puppy mill dogs will flood our communities, hurting Texas families and further exacerbating Texas’ pet overpopulation crisis. Failing to pass the Ethical Pet Sales Bill is a green light for cruelty and consumer exploitation. Texans overwhelmingly support these reforms and now is the time for our elected officials to match that energy with action."

Last week, THLN announced names of 108 Texas pet stores from 74 different companies that all support the Ethical Pet Sales Bill. Read here.

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

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