Texas Senate Bill 1652, sponsored by Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo, would ban the sale of dogs and cats from out-of-state puppy mills in Texas.
“Banning the retail sale of puppies and kittens is a common-sense solution to protect both animals and Texas consumers,” said Zaffi rini, who is a Democrat, the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Senate and the first female Dean of the Senate. “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.”
The bill, also known as the Ethical Pet Sales Bill, is a key legislative priority for the Texas Humane Legislation Network, a lobbying group founded in 1975 that works to “fix lenient animal cruelty laws” in the state and has no national agenda.
