https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/texas-wrap-updates-dog-related-legislation/
This past weekend, the 2023 Texas Regular Legislative Session adjourned. AKC
tracked 49 bills this session, and below are updates on significant bills of
interest impacting Texas dog owners, trainers, and handlers.
A special session was called and began on May 30. AKC will continue to track
newly introduced legislation throughout the special session.
We would like to thank the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance, and all who took
the time to attend hearings and contact legislators. We look forward to
continue working together to make a difference for dogs in Texas.
We recommend the following actions in the coming months:
1) If you have not yet done so, introduce yourself and your club to state and
local lawmakers. You can use the links provided to access our sample
introduction letters. Consider inviting lawmakers to your shows and events,
CGC evaluations, or any other activities you are doing in your local community.
2) Make sure your club has a Legislative Liaison and that AKC GR has the most
up to date contact information. Emailing alerts to your club officers and
Legislative Liaisons is the primary way we communicate the latest information
to you so you can quickly act. Please contact AKC GR at doglaw@xxxxxxx to
update your information.
3) If you have not yet done so, consider joining the Responsible Pet Owners
Alliance as a club or individual. They are sending out information and updates
in addition to those provided by AKC, and also paying for a lobbyist who has
been instrumental this session in ensuring access to key members. For more
information contact RPOA at noah007@xxxxxxxxxxx.
Updates on Texas Bills of Interest:
For more information on the breeder legislation, view our previous alert.
• House Bill 3587- Mandatory Spay and Neuter
Status: Failed without receiving a committee hearing in the House Public Health
Committee
Summary: HB 3587 would have required mandatory spay and neuter for any at large
dog that was caught by a releasing agency for a second time in the dog’s
lifetime. AKC opposes any legislation that mandates spay and neuter.
Spaying/neutering decisions should be made by a dog’s owner in conjunction with
their veterinarian. AKC reached out to the sponsor in early 2023 to express our
opposition to the bill and it ultimately never received a hearing.
• House Bill 66 and House Bill 2063- Related to Fire Safety Standards for
Kennels
Status: HB 66 failed without receiving a committee hearing. HB 2063 was sent to
the Governor on May 18 and is pending his consideration.
Summary: In response to the tragic 2021 boarding kennel fire in Georgetown, TX,
HB 66 would have required anyone that housed 3 or more dogs to install fire
sprinklers and retain 24 hour employees. AKC expressed concerns to the HB 66
bill sponsor and ultimately HB 2063was filed with positive amendments. HB 2063
requires kennel facility operators (those who are providing boarding services
for breeding, sheltering, training, hunting, “or similar purposes” for more
than three dogs for compensation) to provide written notice to dog and cat
owners if their pet will be left unattended and without a fire sprinkler
system. AKC appreciates the sponsor’s willingness to work with us to address
our concerns while still accomplishing the legislature’s primary goal to
protect dogs during boarding.
• House Bill 4759- Dangerous Dogs
Status: Sent to the Governor, pending his consideration
Summary: HB 4759 makes changes to the Texas dangerous dog laws by expanding the
law to deem a dog dangerous if it causes bodily injury. If a dog is deemed
dangerous and causes bodily injury it would be a class B misdemeanor. AKC is
concerned with the definition of bodily injury because of its broad use of the
term physical pain. AKC expressed concerns that a playful animal could be
deemed dangerous if it unintentionally caused physical pain to a person. AKC
reached out the bill sponsor to clarify her intention with the bill and she
committed to changes to the law if it is unfairly applied. Should the bill
become law, please let AKC GR know how this law is enforced in your communities
to ensure it protects responsible owners.
• House Bill 4164- Misrepresenting Service Animals
Status: Sent to the Governor, pending his consideration
Summary: HB 4164 makes it a misdemeanor to misrepresent a service animal. AKC
supported HB 4164 and strongly condemns characterizing dogs as service animals
when they are not, or attempting to benefit from a dog’s service dog status
when the person does not have a disability or need for a service animal. House
Bill 4164 would penalize those who knowingly misrepresent a service animal in
order to gain rights or privileges reserved for those with true service animals.
• House Bill 3756- Civil Immunity when Removing Animals from Vehicles
Status: Passed the House but did not receive a hearing in the Senate State
Affairs Committee
Summary: HB 3756 offered liability protections for individuals who remove a
domestic animal from a motor vehicle if the person had a good faith and
reasonable belief that such removal is necessary to avoid imminent harm to the
animal. The American Kennel Club (AKC) expressed concerns that without some
clarifications, HB 3756 could lead to negative unintended consequences.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes that dog owners bear a special
responsibility to their canine companions to provide proper care and humane
treatment at all times. No person should leave an animal in a vehicle if its
comfort, health, and safety is in question. “Good Samaritan” legislation should
provide a balanced approach that protects both the health and safety of dogs
and the interests of responsible dog owners.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor all bills impacting dog owners in
Texas. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@xxxxxxx.
Stormy Hope
NAIATrust, Trustee
NAIATrust-CA on Facebook!
GSDCA Legislative Liaison to AKC
California Responsible Pet Owners
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