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. This page is meant to be used as a resource to see what is happening in your state and what actions you can take for animals.

State Rankings

Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. It is the longest-running and most authoritative of its kind, assessing the strength of each state’s animal protection laws by examining over 3,400 pages of statutes. Each state is ranked based on 19 different categories of animal protection.

Texas
Overall Rank: #11 (Top Tier)

  • +Sexual assault statute is adequately defined, addressed related crimes, and is a sex offense
  • +Sentence enhancements for repeat animal abusers and cases involving multiple animals
  • +Court may order pre-conviction forfeiture of cruelly treated animals
  • -Other agencies or departments are not required to report suspected animal cruelty
  • -No immunity for law enforcement or civilians rescuing animals from unattended vehicles

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, 2020.

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Active Legislation

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Active Cases

Defending Our Rights Under the Texas Anti-SLAPP Statute
Captive Animals

Defending Our Rights Under the Texas Anti-SLAPP Statute

Landry's, Inc v Animal Legal Defense fund, et al.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund was sued by Laundry’s after making public comments that discussed the Aquarium’s mistreatment of four captive white tigers and asserted that such treatment violated the Endangered Species Act.
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Recent Victories

chickens
Farmed Animals, Legislation

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.
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Animal Possession Ban (Texas)
Companion Animals, Legislation

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.
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cat
Companion Animals, Criminal Justice

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.
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elephant captivity
Captive Animals, Litigation

Lucky the Lonely Elephant

Graham v. San Antonio Zoological Society
The Animal Legal Defense Fund sued the San Antonio Zoo in 2015 under the Endangered Species Act, due to the zoo’s decision to keep an Asian elephant named Lucky socially isolated from any other elephants and inhumane conditions.
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Take Action

Take action now to help animals in your state.

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cow

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.
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dog

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.
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Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals

Want to take the next step in your animal advocacy? Learn the skills you need to pass laws protecting animals at the local level! Local laws are critical – not only do they help individual animals in your community but prime state legislation.
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Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals

Learn how wild animals are exploited in circuses and traveling shows, and how you can help!
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Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans

Learn how to fight back against the cruel fur industry by passing a fur ban in your community! Led by Animal Legal Defense Fund Campaigns Manager Elizabeth Holtz, this webinar will walk you through the mechanics of fur production, the policy issues, including animal cruelty, environmental impacts, and public health, and more.
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Animal Legal Defense Fund 2020 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report

See the best and worst states for animal protection laws

Find Your State