Pet Advocacy Network Applauds Texas Lawmakers for Rejecting Proposed Pet Sale Ban

Senate Bill 1652 Would Have Hurt Pets, Families

Alexandria, Va. – Today, the Texas legislature declined to advance SB 1652, which would have prohibited Texas pet stores from selling dogs and cats sourced from professional breeders, no matter how reputable. That includes top-quality, professional breeders with show champions and advanced health certifications.

The Pet Advocacy Network (PAN), the policy voice of the responsible pet care community, provided expert testimony against the measure.

“Session after session, Texas lawmakers have repeatedly rejected misguided pet sale bans,” said Ashley Brinkman, director of government affairs. “It’s simply bad policy that would close small businesses while hurting animals and consumers.”

Just last week, the House version (HB 3458) stalled out after failing to make it to a vote on the lower chamber’s floor before the deadline.

“The most outspoken proponent of these harmful laws has been citing the same number—10,000 active puppy mills—unchanged since 2008,” said Brinkman. “We seriously question the accuracy of that figure. But even if we were to accept it, it would actually prove that pet sale bans are a failure. After more than 15 years of these policies—some unfortunately enacted—not one has delivered on its promise to shut down puppy mills.