On Monday, April 28, the Texas House Public Health Committee considered House Bill 2806, which would dramatically broaden the definition of a “dangerous dog” and make it a misdemeanor offense if a dog causes “bodily injury.” Under the Texas Penal Code, “bodily injury” is defined as physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is deeply concerned that the proposed changes in HB 2806 are overly broad and could have far-reaching consequences for responsible dog owners across Texas. As written, this bill could result in misdemeanor charges for owners whose dogs are not truly dangerous, such as when a playful puppy nips or a dog causes accidental, minor discomfort. This approach fails to distinguish between genuinely dangerous behavior and normal, non-aggressive canine actions, and could unfairly penalize responsible pet owners.
HB 2806 remains pending in the House Public Health Committee, and a vote could be taken at any time in the coming weeks. We urge all concerned dog owners and advocates for responsible pet ownership to contact members of the House Public Health Committee and respectfully express your opposition to this overly broad and potentially harmful legislation. Please find committee contact information below:
Chair Gary Vandeaver Gary.Vandeaver@house.texas.gov
Vice Chair Liz Campos Liz.Campos@house.texas.gov
Rep. John H. Bucy, III. John.Bucy@house.texas.gov
Rep. Nicole Collier Nicole.Collier@house.texas.gov
Rep. Charles Cunningham Charles.Cunningham@house.texas.gov
Rep. James B. Frank James.Frank@house.texas.gov
Rep. Ann Johnson Ann.Johnson@house.texas.gov
Rep. Jolanda Jones Jolanda.jones@house.texas.gov
Rep. Mike Olcott Mike.Olcott@house.texas.gov
Rep. Katrina Pierson Katrina.Pierson@house.texas.gov
Rep. Mike Schofield Mike.Schofield@house.texas.gov
Rep. Joanne W. Shofner Joanne.Shofner@house.texas.gov
Rep. Lauren A. Simmons Lauren.Simmons@house.texas.gov
Retail Pet Sales Ban
Last week, House Bill 3458, which would impose a statewide ban on the retail sale of dogs and cats, was voted out of the Texas House Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development Committee by a vote of 10-1. The bill now advances to the Texas House Calendars Committee, where it awaits scheduling for a vote by the full Texas House of Representatives.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly opposes HB 3458. A statewide ban on the retail sale of pets, while claiming to improve animal welfare, would in fact drive the market underground and increase the trafficking of unhealthy pets to unsuspecting consumers. Such a measure does not address the root causes of irresponsible breeding or animal mistreatment, but instead removes regulated, transparent avenues for Texans to obtain pets. The AKC urges all concerned Texas residents to contact their state representatives and respectfully express opposition to this misguided legislation.
For more information on HB 3458 please see AKC’s original alert HERE. You can find your state representative HERE.
For more information or for more updates on Texas legislation, please contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org .