• facebook
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • linkedin
  • instagram

Legislate To Change Their Fate ®

  • About
    • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff and Partners
    • Our Mission
    • Chapters
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
  • You Can Help
    • You Can Help
    • Effective Grassroots Lobbying
    • Get Action Alerts
    • Other Ways to Give
    • Remember Us in Your Will
    • Volunteer
    • Shop THLN Merch
    • Junior Advocate Program
  • 89th Session
    • 89th Session
    • Find Your Legislator
    • Ethical Pet Sales Bill
    • Texas Legislation 101
    • Legislative Session Report
    • Virtual Veterinary Care/Telemedicine in Texas
    • Session Hearings FAQs
  • News & Events
    • News & Events
    • Latest News
    • Upcoming Events
    • Request a Speaker
    • FREE Webinars
    • THLN in the News
  • Animal Laws
    • Animal Laws
    • The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act
    • Victories
    • Humane Pet Store Ordinances
    • Voting Records
    • Tethering Toolkit
    • Service Dog Laws In Texas
    • Roadside Sales of Animals
    • Texas Dog or Cat Breeder Act
JOIN NOW! DONATE!
Texas Humane Legislation Network

Pages tagged "about"


Posted on About by Pamela Campbell · January 01, 2022 7:10 PM

 


The Texas Humane Legislation Network’s (THLN) mission is to promote the humane treatment of animals through legislation, education, and advocacy.Since 1975, THLN has solidified itself as the ONLY Texas-based mainstream organization that follows no national agenda, only what’s good for Texas and its animals. 

Our IRS status as a 501c4 allows us to be political animal advocates, by lobbying and working with our representatives to fix our lenient animal cruelty laws.  While there are *thousands* of 501c3s in Texas formed to help animals, they are *VERY* limited in how much they can lobby, and are outright prohibited from participating in any partisan activities. 


Posted on About by Pamela Campbell · October 29, 2020 1:31 PM

Board of Directors

THLN's board of directors is comprised of individuals who bring their professional talents and animal welfare expertise to the organization to help further its mission for the animals. All work is provided on a voluntary basis. The duties of the board include: establishing and implementing legislative agendas designed to pass effective animal protection legislation; providing information to the news media concerning THLN issues; informing THLN's membership of animal-related legislation; increasing membership statewide; working with other organizations who share THLN's goals; and fundraising to provide the financial resources needed for lobbying, membership communications, and media-related activities.

Stephen Hurst

Stephen Hurst

Position: President
Donate to THLN on my behalf

Steve has built his professional career in real estate development and finance. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin. More than 15 years ago, Steve and his wife Vickie began volunteering as a foster home for dog rescue organizations, helping countless dogs find loving, permanent homes. In addition to fostering, Steve actively fundraises and writes grants for several Dallas-area rescue groups. He also helps organize events that support humane education, raise critical funds, and promote pet adoption.

Before joining the board, Steve was a dedicated volunteer with the Texas Humane Legislation Network, supporting efforts in humane education, legislative advocacy, and fundraising. As chair of THLN’s grassroots committee, Steve is passionate about empowering Texans to connect with their elected officials and advocate for animals. He believes real change happens when neighbors reach each other where they live, work, learn, worship, text, and tweet. Steve and Vickie share their home with four beloved rescue dogs—and frequently open their doors to foster dogs in need.

Jaime Olin

Jaime Olin

Position: Vice President and Legislative Chair
Donate to THLN on my behalf

Jaime is a partner at the Dallas law firm Skiermont Derby, where she practices patent and commercial litigation. Prior to that, she served as Legal Advocacy Counsel with the ASPCA, focusing on animal welfare litigation, animal cruelty prosecution support, and equine welfare issues. She has taught courses and delivered numerous presentations on animal cruelty laws, the LINK, and other animal law topics. Jaime holds a BA in Psychology and Biology with a focus on animal cognition from New College of Florida, an MS in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University, and a JD from the University of Michigan, where she founded and led the school’s chapter of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund.

Jaime has lived in Dallas since 2009. Her rescue dogs—Parker, Benny, and Lucy—are admittedly a bit pampered, but they serve as her daily motivation to work toward improving the welfare of all Texas dogs.

Parker Wilson

Parker Wilson

Position: Secretary
Donate to THLN on my behalf

Parker Wilson lives in San Antonio, where he was born and raised, with his wife, daughter, two dogs, three cats, and one former hamster. He is the Vice President of Regulatory Law at Valero, where he has worked since 2002, and he previously served two terms on the board of the Bexar County Humane Society.

Before joining the board of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, Parker was an active volunteer who worked to advance THLN-supported tethering legislation. He is passionate about strengthening laws that protect companion animals from cruelty and ensuring meaningful consequences for those who cause harm.

Ken Agnew

Ken Agnew

Position: Treasurer
Donate to THLN on my behalf

Ken is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a partner in a public accounting firm. His practice focuses on supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations with their accounting and tax compliance needs. A passionate advocate for animals, Ken is dedicated to promoting animal welfare and giving a voice to the voiceless.

He is active in the Dallas–Fort Worth community, volunteering with local animal rescues and serving as a foster parent for dogs in need. Ken is a former board member of the LSU Dallas Alumni Chapter. He and his wife, Myka, live in Dallas with their three beloved rescue dogs—Beaux, Chumley, and Charlie.

Kelly Hairfield

Kelly Hairfield

Position: Director
Donate to THLN on my behalf

Kelly is an attorney based in Galveston, Texas, where she practices first-party insurance law. She earned her Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston (STCLH), where her interest in animal law began while working as a Research Assistant for Professor Fran Ortiz. Kelly went on to serve as President of the STCLH Animal Legal Defense Fund Chapter for two years, during which the group was named Student Organization of the Year.

Her commitment to animal welfare has been recognized through several honors, including the Honorable Michael H. Schneider, Jr. Animal Law Society Award and the Vinson & Elkins Public Interest Award. Kelly is passionate about community outreach and education, and she shares her life with two exuberant English Springer Spaniels, Molly and Kieran.

Meera Nandlal

Meera Nandlal

Position: Director
Donate to THLN on my behalf

Meera lives in Houston, Texas, with her dog and three cats— all rescues, all female, and all spoiled! She earned a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. While in college, Meera began her broadcasting career at a local radio station and later transitioned to television, working as an anchor, reporter, and host. Her passion for animals started early, and as an adult, she made sure to give them a voice through her media work. In 2008, Meera stepped away from mainstream media to become a spokesperson for a local animal shelter. During that time, she witnessed heartbreaking cases of animal cruelty but also helped many mistreated animals find loving homes or sanctuaries. One of her favorite experiences was traveling from Houston to Romania to document the transport of Betsy, an abused brown bear, to her forever home at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary.

Meera finds fostering animals deeply rewarding, believing there is nothing more meaningful than saving those in need. A few years ago, she founded Maharani Media LLC to focus exclusively on animal welfare issues. She is currently dedicated to her passion project, Meera’s Animal Tribe, proudly embracing her role as an Animal Welfare Journalist. Through her storytelling, Meera aims to educate and inspire change so together we can end the inhumane treatment animals suffer worldwide.

Elisabeth Rutledge

Elisabeth Rutledge

Position: Director
Donate to THLN on my behalf

Elisabeth Rutledge combines her passion for animal rights with extensive experience in public affairs and advocacy communications to advance THLN’s mission. She currently works as a communications consultant for the Jeff Eller Group, helping clients of all sizes protect and enhance their brand equity and stakeholder relationships. Her clients have included some of the nation’s leading names in advocacy, energy, health insurance, retail, private equity, and transportation.

Prior to joining the Jeff Eller Group, Elisabeth served as a senior vice president at Hill+Knowlton Strategies and as a managing director at Public Strategies. She earned a degree in American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and is a graduate of the Leadership Texas program.

Randy Turner

Randy Turner

Position: Director
Donate to THLN on my behalf

Randy Turner spent much of his childhood in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Germany. He practices animal law in Fort Worth and is a co-founder and past chair of the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. Randy has been a dedicated member and supporter of THLN since 1987, including serving a term on its board.

He has served on the boards of various Texas animal welfare organizations and volunteered internationally on conservation projects in Borneo, Indonesia (orangutan rescue and rehabilitation), Kenya (elephant conservation), and Zimbabwe (black rhinoceros conservation). With over 30 years of experience, Randy has represented animal welfare and rescue groups, wildlife sanctuaries, activists, and animal owners. He has tried numerous animal-related cases to verdict and handled several appeals in Texas courts, including the Supreme Court of Texas. Randy frequently lectures on animal law and has testified multiple times before the Texas legislature on animal-related legislation. He divides his time between Fort Worth and a mountain cabin in Colorado with his wife, Patti, two rescue dogs, and three rescue cats.

Cindy Smiley

Cindy Smiley

Position: Director
Donate to THLN on my behalf

Cindy Smiley, a native Texan, lives and works in Austin, where she practices environmental and water law. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Plan II from The University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. Cindy’s legal career includes experience with a major corporation, a state agency, and both large and mid-sized law firms. She served as Chair of the Environmental & Natural Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas from 2011 to 2012 and currently serves on the Council of the State Bar’s Animal Law Section. Since 2008, Cindy has been recognized by Best Lawyers in environmental and water law, and in 2018 she received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association.

In 2012, Cindy founded Smiley Law Firm, where she represents a wide range of clients, including individuals, associations, and businesses. Inspired by her experience as a volunteer puppy-raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind and Canine Companions, she developed a strong interest in legal issues involving animals in public places, especially service dogs and service dogs-in-training. Cindy is passionate about educating the public on the important work service dogs do and their legal protections. She was honored to testify on behalf of THLN on service dog and other animal welfare bills during the 2023 Legislative Session.


Advisory Board

Julie Caramante

Julie Caramante

Company: Texas State Horse Council Donate to THLN on my behalf
Cile Holloway

Cile Holloway

Company: Texas Humane Legislation Network Donate to THLN on my behalf
Jack Knox

Jack Knox

Company: Cafe Pacific Inc. and Knox Ranch Inc. Donate to THLN on my behalf
Natalie Lynch

Natalie Lynch

Company: Lynch Law Firm Donate to THLN on my behalf
Gigi Ray

Gigi Ray

Company: Texas Humane Legislation Network Donate to THLN on my behalf
Erin Shults

Erin Shults

Company: Mazie’s Mission Donate to THLN on my behalf
Mary Spencer

Mary Spencer

Company: SPCA of Texas Donate to THLN on my behalf

Chapters

Posted on About by Pamela Campbell · October 20, 2020 12:52 PM
Don't see a local chapter in your area, contact [email protected] to help and learn more about starting a new chapter.
047107dd98a45bc8e6857b183105a980ff8e1e6b.png

Austin Chapter

Names: C.J. Johnson

Donate to THLN on C.J's behalf

LEARN MORE

Tyler Chapter

Name: Stacie Flowers

Donate to THLN on my behalf

LEARN MORE

El Paso Chapter

Name: Dr. Gina Gagen

Donate to THLN on my behalf

LEARN MORE

 


Houston Chapter

Names: Ann Knight & Katie Fine

Donate to THLN on Ann's behalf
Donate to THLN on Katie's behalf

LEARN MORE

 


Rio Grande Valley Chapter

Names: Rebecca I. Chavez & Alyssa Cerroni

Donate to THLN on Rebecca's behalf
Donate to THLN on Alyssa's behalf

LEARN MORE

Wichita Falls Chapter

Name: Jan Herzog

Donate to THLN on my behalf

LEARN MORE


North Texas Chapter

Name: Ramsey Blaze Timmons

Donate to THLN on my behalf

LEARN MORE


Staff and Partners

Posted on About by Albert Gersh · March 03, 2016 6:34 PM

Shelby Bobosky

Position: Executive Director

Shelby has been the Executive Director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) since 2019 and the Texas Humane Network since 2020, but she began her volunteer service with THLN in 2011 as a board member. Since 2011, under her leadership as President, Vice President, and Legislative Chair, THLN has had five successful legislative sessions. Some of the highlights include THLN successfully passing the Anti-Gassing Law (passed in 2013), the Mandatory Canine Encounter Training Law (passed in 2015), the Animal Cruelty Enhancement Law (passed in 2017), the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act (passed in 2021) and the Revised Texas Licensed Breeders’ Act.

Shelby was a practicing attorney in Dallas, Texas, focusing on general civil litigation until 2017 when she decided to do only pro bono animal-related cases, putting in hundreds of hours for THLN assisting animal welfare advocates and rescues when possible. She is an Adjunct Law Professor at the Southern Methodist University College of Law, teaching Animal Law and Wildlife Law since 2016. Shelby also travels the state teaching Texas animal-related laws with a focus on animal cruelty. Shelby also serves as the Chair of the Dallas Animal Shelter since 2022.  She is a proud mother of three boys, two rescued dogs, and lots and lots of foster dogs.

Karen Rankin

Position: Director of Operations

Karen, a highly experienced Administrative Professional with a rich career spanning over 25 years, brings a diverse professional background to the organization. Her passion for service led her to join THLN in May 2019, where she adeptly provides administrative support to the staff, board members, and volunteers. Her exceptional organizational and teamwork skills ensure smooth operations

Before her position at THLN, she managed the Lower Colorado River Authority grant program. Karen says the best feeling is giving money to other nonprofits in need. She is a conscientious steward of donations and previously worked as a business administrator for a 400-member church in the Houston area.

Outside work, Karen enjoys walking her newly inherited Springer Spaniel mix, Nicki, day-tripping in central Texas, and challenging herself to a jigsaw puzzle.

Brianne Comeaux

Position: Marketing Manager

Brianne began working with the THLN in 2021 and soon fell in love with our mission and team. Service and nonprofit work have easily become a huge passion for Brianne and she looks forward to making a difference for Texas animals every day! Brianne is an integral part of our marketing efforts of multiple pet store ordinances, the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, the Big Cat Public Safety Act, our Advocacy events and meetings, including capturing videos and still photos company-wide.

When Brianne isn't editing our next social media post, you can find her with her husband and three fur-babies enjoying a delicious iced coffee, probably dancing, and learning her next creative craft.


Francesca Chillino

Position: Government Relations Assistant

Francesca joined the THLN team in September 2024, shortly after graduating from Baylor University. In her role, she supports the THLN team by conducting research and gathering data to advance the legislative bills currently in progress. Francesca has been passionate about animal rescue and welfare for most of her life, actively engaging in the cause since the summer of 2014. During college, she worked at the Humane Society of Central Texas and volunteered with several other animal welfare organizations.

One of her most memorable and rewarding experiences was a mission trip to Antigua, Guatemala, this past May, where she and her classmates volunteered at underfunded animal shelters. Francesca is the proud owner of two pit bulls, Violet and Pluto, and dreams of one day having a small farm filled with rescued barn animals.


Blair Stirek

Position: Volunteer Manager

Blair joined the THLN team in November 2024, bringing over a decade of experience managing volunteers and organizing large events within the nonprofit sector. She has over a decade of experience managing volunteers and large events within the non-profit sector. Animals are her #1 passion and in recent years Blair deeply wanted to work within the animal law sector and had a gut feeling that the opportunity would come her way.

Before THLN, Blair served as the Senior Volunteer Program Manager at Austin Pets Alive! for over five years. During her tenure, she established numerous annual traditions, created a volunteer recognition program, and developed many programs from the ground up. Her nonprofit career began in 2012 with the Girls Empowerment Network, where she advanced to Project Manager over six years. Under her leadership, the organization’s largest fundraising event, the We Are Girls Conference, expanded from one city with 1,400 attendees to three cities with over 4,000 participants statewide—all on a limited budget and with a grassroots approach. Blair holds the prestigious Certificate in Volunteer Administration (CVA), a credential earned by only about 1,100 individuals worldwide. The CVA’s mission is "To advance excellence in volunteer administration by delivering professional certification and advocating for ethical practice."

Outside of work, Blair enjoys spending time with her partner, young daughter, and three beloved dogs. In her spare moments, she loves crafting and creating, from macrame artistry to simpler crafts like crocheting and diamond painting.

For more information on becoming an Organization Partner please get in touch with us at: [email protected]

 


Animal-Related Helpline: 1-888-548-6263

Posted on About by Albert Gersh · March 02, 2016 1:49 AM

For all media inquiries: [email protected]

IMPORTANT: IF YOU ARE TRYING TO REPORT A NEGLECT OR ABUSE SITUATION, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL HUMANE SOCIETY, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, OR LOCAL ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER - DO NOT LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR A THLN MEMBER AS WE ARE A LEGISLATIVE ORGANIZATION, NOT AN ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

THLN's purpose is to pass effective legislation for the animals in the Texas Legislature.  We do not have the resources to deal directly with animal cruelty or adoption issues, but we can recommend several organizations that do.

Mailing Address
1005 Congress Ave.
Suite 925-E68
Austin, TX 78701

Office Phone: (512) 318-2292

Send feedback

Why We're Different

Posted by Albert Gersh · March 01, 2016 12:47 AM

Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) is the only Texas-based organization focused on addressing unjust state animal welfare laws. We at the Texas Humane Legislation Network - a 501c4 - are working to stop animal cruelty and abuse before it starts. 

Our IRS status as a 501c4 allows us to be political animal advocates, by lobbying and working with our representatives to fix our lenient animal cruelty laws.  While there are *thousands* of 501c3s in Texas formed to help animals, they are *VERY* limited in how much they can lobby, and are outright prohibited from participating in any partisan activities. 


  • Sign in with Facebook
  • Sign in with Twitter
  • Sign in with Email


Donate Join
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • IRS 990
  • Privacy Policy
  • Donate

PO BOX 685283, AUSTIN, TX 78768-5283

Phone:  1-888-548-6263

Created with NationBuilder
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • linkedin
  • instagram

Texas Humane Legislation Network © 2025. All Rights Reserved.