Texas
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
Texas
Overall Rank: #12 (Top Tier)
Animal Protection Laws of Texas
The Animal Protection Laws of Texas compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Texas with an effective date on or before September 1, 2023.
Legislative Session
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Stop Ag-Gag Laws
Undercover investigations and whistleblowers have exposed some of the worst aspects of factory farming, but Ag-Gag laws punish people who speak out about cruelty in animal agriculture. Voice your opposition.
No More Puppy Mills
Puppy mill operators maximize their profits by producing large numbers of puppies as quickly as possible. As a result, unsanitary conditions, disease, and neglect are rampant. Sign our pledge to boycott puppy mills. Together we can end cruel puppy mills.
Passing Local Legislation: Retail Pet Sale Ban
In this free webinar, we walk you through the basics of how to pass a retail pet sale bans in your community — a powerful way to fight back against puppy mills.
Passing Local Legislation: Prohibiting Animals in Circuses and Traveling Shows
This webinar will focus on passing a local prohibition on animals used in circuses and other traveling shows.
Recent Victories
Relating to the licensing and regulation of dog and cat breeders (Texas)
H.B. 2238/S.B. 876
This bill would amend the licensing requirements for dog and cat breeders in Texas.
Ag-Gag (Texas)
Creates an Ag-Gag Law in Texas (HB 1480/SB 472)
HB 1480/SB 472 would create an Ag-Gag law in Texas — preventing the public from learning about animal cruelty.
Animal Possession Ban (Texas)
Community supervision for defendants convicted of certain criminal offenses involving animals (SB 48 and HB 91)
SB 48 and HB 91 empower judges to prohibit people convicted of animal cruelty from future contact with animals.
Fighting to Bring Kristen Lindsey to Justice
Kristen Lindsey v Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
Veterinarian Kristen Lindsey shot and killed her neighbor's cat Tiger with a bow and arrow. Afterward, Lindsey posted a photo to Facebook of herself with Tiger's corpse, the arrow protruding from his head. She bragged in the post about killing the cat.
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2023 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws