AUSTIN, TX – Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) has filed Senate Bill 1652, deemed the Ethical Pet Sales Bill. SB 1652 is a top legislative priority for the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN).
"Banning the retail sale of puppies and kittens is a common-sense solution to protect both animals and Texas consumers," said Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini. "My SB 1652 would help reduce pet overpopulation, promote responsible breeding practices and prevent families from unknowingly purchasing sick animals. With varying local ordinances in place and further action at the city level now restricted, it is important for the state to provide a clear and consistent approach that prioritizes both animal welfare and consumer protection."
“We are so thankful to Dean Senator Zaffirini for authoring such a critical and much-needed piece of legislation that aims to stop the puppy mill pipeline into Texas,” said Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director of THLN. “Her commitment to bipartisan collaboration and dedication to the State of Texas has led her to pass more bills than any legislator in the history of the state. We are thrilled to be working with Dean Senator Zaffirini and her talented staff on this legislation to stop retail pet stores from selling commercially bred puppies and kittens while promoting animal welfare and consumer protections.”
Five other Senators have signed on in support of SB 1652:
Senator César Blanco (D-El Paso)
Senator Brent Hagenbuch (R-Denton)
Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (D-McAllen)
Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham)
Senator Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound)
Retail pet stores sell puppies sourced from large-scale, out-of-state commercial breeding facilities known as puppy mills. These puppies are from countless litters and shipped over thousands of miles, often arriving dehydrated, sick, and disease-ridden at retail pet stores. Unknowing Texans buy these animals, become attached, and are soon faced with crushing vet bills or the potential death of their new pet because of undisclosed health or living conditions.
Further, these puppies and kittens are sold unaltered, which only exacerbates Texas’ shelter overpopulation crisis.
“We have spent the past 18 months talking with former retail pet store employees about the deplorable conditions they witnessed firsthand and have compiled videos about the dark side of retail pet sales. These videos show the deceitful sales tactics stores use to dupe consumers into financial agreements with high interest rates and how they hide where their puppies come from, their living conditions, and health histories,” continued Bobosky. “Further, dozens of Texans misled by retail pet stores have shared their tragic stories with us of losing a new puppy, losing thousands of dollars – or both.”
THLN has operated an animal welfare helpline since 2001, and one of the number one complaints year after year is a consumer purchasing a sick or defective pet from a retail pet store.
“18 cities across Texas have passed ordinances ending retail pet sales, but a law passed in 2023 prevents any more such ordinances from being passed. Since then, over 10 new pet stores have opened, amounting to approximately 40 retail pet stores throughout the state. It is now up to the Texas Legislature to step in at the state level to promote transparency, consumer protections, and the humane treatment of animals,” concluded Bobosky.
To learn more or to schedule an interview, contact Cara Gustafson at (561) 797-8267 or [email protected].
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