On Thursday, May 12th, the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice held a public hearing on House Bill 1451. A vote was not taken at that time.
However, in a quick follow-up hearing with little public notice today at Senator Whitmire’s desk, a substitute measure was passed by a vote of 4-0. This measure is now likely to move very quickly in the Texas Senate.
The committee has not yet made copies of this substitute bill available and the AKC is not in possession of the specific amendments at this time.
The AKC believes that the thresholds defining a commercial breeder and the requirements in the original legislation are inappropriate and ineffective. Unless the definition of a commercial breeder, the rulemaking process, and the standards in the bill have been dramatically revised so as to not negatively impact responsible owners and breeders, we believe this measure should be defeated.
Texas has existing cruelty laws that allow for investigation and prosecution of irresponsible owners and breeders. House Bill 1451 will not improve animal welfare in Texas and it will create a significant new burden on responsible owners and breeders.
AKC urges all responsible owners and breeders to contact their Senators and ask them to oppose House Bill 1451.
On Thursday, May 12th, the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice held a public hearing on House Bill…