Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) - Promoting the humane treatment of animals through legislation, education and advocacy

Take Action!

These animals NEED your help!

As most of you know from previous alerts, September 1, 2012 was the effective date for commercial dog and cat breeders covered by the Dog and Cat Breeders Act established by HB 1451 to register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Dog and cat breeders required to register are those who: (1) have 11 or more breeding females; and (2) sell 20 or more puppies or kittens during a twelve month period.

The Responsible Pet Owners Association (RPOA) has encouraged it members and other dog and cat breeders to defy the law and not apply for registration. This is their attempt to make life difficult for TDLR to identify breeders who wish to thumb their nose at the Texas Legislature and TDLR in defiance of the law and regulations. Thus, TDLR needs the public's help to bring these "outlaw" breeders into compliance. We encourage each of you to use your best efforts to identify these unlicensed breeders and report them to TDLR. This can be done by phone (Toll-Free (in Texas): (800) 803-9202); by email (Licensed Breeders -enforcement@license.state.tx.us); or online. To get the Complaint Form for online complaints click here.

As law abiding citizens and animal welfare advocates, we must work in conjunction with TDLR to help enforce this law. Please do your part by identifying unlicensed breeders and furnishing that information to TDLR to help them do their job. The animals in these facilities need our help!

For Helpful Hints in finding and identifying unlicensed breeders click here.

Also, as mentioned in previous alerts, you can now find a Fact Sheet and Other Helpful Information Regarding the Dog and Cat Breeders Act on the THLN website. Just click here.

Thanks for your continued support to make Texas animal friendly and please let us know about your efforts in this cause.

As you all know, our 4th annual conference is scheduled for this weekend in Austin. If you have not registered, please do so TODAY. More information about our conference can be found by clicking here.

Issue Links: Puppy Mills,