bill ordering an animal cruelty awareness campaign

The text as introduced · 233 words

89R3262 SCF-D

By: González of El Paso
H.B. No. 1436

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to an animal cruelty public awareness campaign by the

Texas Animal Health Commission.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 161, Agriculture Code, is

amended by adding Section 161.0604 to read as follows:

Sec. 161.0604. ANIMAL CRUELTY PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Animal" includes:

(A) livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl,

and exotic fowl; and

(B) a domesticated living creature, including

any stray or feral cat or dog, and a wild living creature previously

captured.

(2) "Animal cruelty" means an offense under Section

42.09 or 42.092, Penal Code.

(b) The commission shall establish an animal cruelty public

awareness campaign to prevent animal cruelty by raising awareness

among the general public of issues relating to animal cruelty.

(c) As part of the campaign, the commission shall establish

and maintain an Internet website dedicated to the animal cruelty

public awareness campaign. The website must include information

on:

(1) where to take an abandoned or found animal;

(2) who to contact if an animal is in need of medical

attention; and

(3) animal cruelty laws.

(d) The commission may solicit and accept gifts and grants

for purposes of conducting the animal cruelty public awareness

campaign under this section.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.