Dog Safety Bill Advances In Texas State Legislature

AUSTIN, Texas: A House committee advanced a bill last Tuesday that defines the safety standards for keeping dogs tied up and unsupervised outside, as well as allowing officials to intervene more quickly if a violation occurs.

Animal rights advocates have been fighting for the law for years, and it has reached the governor’s desk with bipartisan support during the legislative session. But, in an unexpected move, Abbott vetoed it, calling it “micro-managing and over-criminalization.”  

Greg Abbott eventually added the item to the third special session call. Animal rights advocates say they’re hopeful that it’ll pass after working with the governor and other stakeholders to amend the law.

Every year, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter cares for thousands of animals in need. Misty Valenta, the animal services director at the shelter, said that providing a safe haven for animals directly reflects on the community.

However, animal rights advocates have long claimed that more needs to be done to safeguard dogs in Texas. For example, despite existing animal cruelty regulations, law enforcement must now give dog owners a 24-hour warning before interfering in cases of violation.

Last Tuesday, after hearing public evidence on the bill, a House committee decided to send it to the entire House floor, and supporters are confident. The Senate has already approved the law. If approved on the House floor, it will be sent back to the governor’s desk.

Source: The Texas Tribune