Texas Bar Journal • September 2025

The Legislative Update

Animal Law

Written by Shelby L. Bobosky

During the 89th Texas legislative session, the state of Texas included millions of dollars in a line item in the state budget to support spay and neuter initiatives statewide. This funding acknowledges Texas’ long-standing overpopulation of dogs and cats in the state. Some other major developments of this session include closing longstanding loopholes and expanding accountability in cases of animal cruelty, but otherwise, there were very few significant changes in the area of animal law. All bills are effective September 1, 2025, unless otherwise noted.

Spay and Neuter Funding Through the Animal Friendly License Plate Program

SB 1568 allows for the creation of a specialty license plate featuring the words “Spay. Neuter. Adopt.” in addition to the current “Animal Friendly” specialty license plate. The Animal Friendly plate has not been updated since its passage, and this plate will remain available for purchase. Meanwhile, the new plate will serve as a reminder for Texans to spay and neuter their pets, promoting responsible pet ownership and care. Of the cost of the license plate, $22 will be transferred into a dedicated state fund that supports low-cost spay and neuter services throughout Texas.

Pancho’s Law

HB 285, also known as “Pancho’s Law,” provides greater protection to Texas pets and their owners against animal cruelty. The bill is named in memory of Pancho, a dog who died while in the care of a Dallas dog daycare facility. This law updates Texas’ animal cruelty statute by clarifying that acts of cruelty committed with criminal negligence can now be prosecuted, closing a gap that previously allowed some offenders to avoid accountability. Under the prior law, individuals such as dog trainers, boarders, and groomers were often not prosecuted despite clear instances of harm, leaving pet owners who fell victim to their negligence unable to obtain justice. The updated animal cruelty law ensures that more cases of cruelty involving those entrusted with the care of our pets can now be appropriately addressed through the courts.

Move Over Law for Animal Control Vehicles

SB 305 adds animal control vehicles to the list of protected vehicles under Texas’ “Move Over or Slow Down” law, which requires drivers to take precautions and move to another lane or slow down when passing certain stationary vehicles on
the road. Animal control officers often work in hazardous roadside conditions to remove animals or animal carcasses from highways, putting themselves at risk. This law was passed after two Levelland animal control officers were struck and killed on the side of a road while responding to a call.

Some Counties Now Able to Ban Transient Sales of Dogs and Cats

HB 2012 and HB 2731 allow certain counties to ban the transient sale of non-livestock animals, such as those found in parking lots and on the side of the road.

SHELBY BOBOSKY is the executive director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network and an adjunct professor of animal law and wildlife law at the SMU Dedman School of Law.