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.