Texas House Bill HB2063

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 2/8/23
• Out of House Committee: 4/14/23
• Voted on by House: 4/28/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/9/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/15/23
• Governor Action: 6/2/23

Caption

Relating to required informed consent before a dog or cat may be boarded at a kennel and left unattended; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to outline the responsibilities of kennel owners and operators, making it compulsory for them to notify pet owners about the conditions of their pets' care and to obtain a signed consent form before leaving pets unattended. The civil penalty for noncompliance is set at $500 for each instance of violation, highlighting the seriousness of adhering to these regulations. This change represents an effort by the legislature to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future and to promote better standards in pet care facilities across the state.

Summary

House Bill 2063 mandates that kennel operators must obtain informed consent from pet owners before leaving dogs or cats unattended. This requirement was introduced following a tragic incident where a fire at a pet resort led to the deaths of 75 dogs due to lack of supervision and safety measures. The bill aims to enhance the safety and welfare of pets by ensuring that owners are fully aware of the circumstances surrounding their pets' care, particularly when they may be left without supervision.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2063 appears to be largely positive, with support from various stakeholders in the animal welfare community. Many advocates view the bill as a crucial step toward improving the safety protocols that govern pet boarding facilities. However, there are concerns among some kennel operators about the feasibility of compliance and the potential for penalties, adding a layer of contention to the discussion.

Contention

Some opposition has been voiced regarding the implementation and enforcement of the informed consent requirement, with critics arguing that it may place an undue burden on small kennel operators who might struggle to adapt to the new regulations. Additionally, concerns were raised about the adequacy of civil penalties, with suggestions that the penalties may need to be reconsidered to ensure they effectively deter noncompliance. Overall, the debate underscores the balance between ensuring pet safety and accommodating the operational realities of dog and cat boarding facilities.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 824. Kennels
  • Section: New Section