Presented by Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), join shelter veterinary experts and humane society professionals for an important discussion on the emerging New World screwworm situation in Texas and its implications for companion animals, shelters, and rescue organizations.
As New World screwworm quarantines, inspection requirements, and receiving-state restrictions continue to impact animal movement, interstate transport options for Texas shelters and rescues have become increasingly limited. This webinar will provide timely updates on current regulations, explain why some organizations have implemented voluntary transport suspensions, and explore how shelters and rescues are adapting to these challenges.
Participants will gain a clearer understanding of transport requirements, animal health considerations, and best practices for protecting animals while maintaining public confidence. Whether you are a shelter or rescue professional, advocate, pet owner, or community partner, this session will offer practical insights and guidance for navigating this evolving situation.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Featured Panelists
Amanda Earl, MBA, CAW
Assistant Director, Dallas Animal Services
Amanda Earl is the Assistant Director of Operations for Dallas Animal Services, where she oversees shelter, field, and medical operations for one of the nation’s largest municipal animal shelters. With more than 20 years of experience in animal welfare and municipal sheltering, she has focused her career on advancing lifesaving programs, improving operational efficiency, and promoting evidence-based, data-driven shelter practices across both municipal and nonprofit settings. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Sciences with a concentration in Shelter Medicine at the University of Florida, with a focus on capacity for care and sustainable population management in large shelters. Amanda is passionate about collaborative partnerships and developing practical solutions that improve outcomes for animals, staff, and the communities they serve.
Greg Evans
Senior Director of Operations, Houston Humane
Greg Evans is a Marine Veteran and has been with the Houston Humane Society since 2009. Greg is a Capella University graduate and has also obtained his Airman Certificate. He leads a dedicated team that offers many services to community members and their families. He is also responsible for the disaster response efforts during times of emergencies that affect the Greater Houston area and our neighbors. The Community Impact department continues to expand its programs, offering services to more community members each year. The programs in Community Impact include the Southeast Texas LINK Coalition, the Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce, the Pets for Life program, the Pet Resource Department, and outreach initiatives.
Aaron Grady
Shelter Director, Houston Humane
Aaron Grady is the Shelter Director at the Houston Humane Society, where he has served since February 2023. He holds a degree in Psychology from Texas State University and brings six years of prior leadership experience as Director of Operations at the San Antonio Humane Society, where he helped more than 26,000 homeless pets find loving homes. He is a strong advocate for barrier-free, education-based adoption practices and has focused his career on building innovative shelter programs that improve animal welfare, reduce length of stay, and expand access to responsible pet ownership resources. Aaron also has extensive experience in crisis management, budgeting, staffing, and facility development, including major shelter improvement and medical expansion projects, and has been a member of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement since 2017.
Dr. Melissa Stansell
Veterinarian, Austin Pets Alive!
Dr. Stansell works as a veterinarian in the community as well as on the staff of APA! She is on the front lines of helping shelters across TX that lack resources to find live outcomes for the pets in their care through transport and bringing them supplies. She helped pets in need through the setup of a MASH-style clinic during the devastating Hill Country Floods. In her spare time, she fosters dogs and finds them loving homes. She graduated from A&M in 2015.
Mia Bendixsen, J.D.
Executive Director, THLN
Mia Bendixsen is an attorney and seasoned nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, strategic management, and community engagement. She has held senior leadership roles with nationally recognized organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Boy Scouts of America, and has a longstanding commitment to animal welfare through board service and disaster response efforts that protect pets and keep families together during emergencies. Based in Austin, Mia lives with her fiancé, Michael, and their two rescue dogs, Mishka and Riley.
Kolby Monnig
Senior Director of Government Relations, THLN
Kolby Monnig is a government relations and public policy professional serving as Senior Director of Government Relations for THLN, where she leads the organization’s state legislative and public affairs efforts to advance animal welfare policy across Texas. With extensive experience in legislative strategy, advocacy, coalition building, and public affairs, she has built a reputation for navigating complex policy issues, fostering bipartisan relationships, and developing collaborative solutions that create meaningful impact. Based in the Austin area, Kolby lives with her husband, Kyle, and their three rescue dogs, Puddles, Ziggy, and Wiggles, and is passionate about animal welfare, public service, and strengthening communities across Texas.