Fwd: Texas 2025 Legislative Round Up
Kelly Curry
Begin forwarded message:
From: AKC Government Relations <dog...@akc.org>
Date: May 29, 2025 at 10:02:48 AM CDT
To: Kelly Curry <newday...@gmail.com>
Subject: Texas 2025 Legislative Round Up
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/texas-2025-legislative-round/
May 28, 2025
As the 89th Texas Regular Session draws to a close, the legislative landscape for dog owners has shifted dramatically in recent weeks. With several crucial deadlines now behind us, the majority of pending bills, including many impacting dogs and their owners, are officially off the table for this session. Yesterday marked the last opportunity for both chambers to consider bills on third reading, signaling the end of most legislative activity.
Despite a challenging environment, the American Kennel Club (AKC) remained steadfast in its advocacy for responsible dog ownership and the well-being of our canine companions. Nearly all problematic dog-related bills failed to advance out of committee or make it into law. One positive measure is now poised for the Governor’s signature.
Engagement and advocacy from AKC clubs and dog owners throughout the state were instrumental in shaping these outcomes. The AKC would like to recognize the efforts of our affiliated Texas clubs and the AKC Texas Federation, the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance (RPOA), for their partnership and support.
Below is a comprehensive update on key legislation the AKC actively supported, opposed, or worked to amend during this session.
Positive Legislation
Benefits for Field Trials – Senate Bill 2801 (Pending Governor’s Signature)
SB 2801 exempts individual participants in squirrel or furbearing animal field trials from the Texas hunting license requirement. On May 25, the bill was sent to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk, where it awaits his signature. If signed, only the field trial organizer will be required to purchase a field trial permit covering all participants. The AKC strongly supported SB 2801, believing it could increase the number of field trials and participants, particularly those from out of state. Supportive dog owners are encouraged to urge the Governor to sign SB 2801. You can submit your opinion to the Governor HERE.
Defeated Problematic Legislation
- Non-Economic Damages – House Bill 4777 (Failed)
HB 4777 would have allowed individuals to claim damages for bystander distress, mental anguish, and loss of companionship when a companion animal dies. While the AKC understands the emotional trauma of losing a pet, it opposed this bill because awarding non-economic damages could challenge the legal status of animals and increase pet care costs for all owners. AKC Government Relations staff testified in opposition to HB 4777 in committee, and the bill ultimately died without a vote.
- At-Large Spay and Neuter – House Bill 3777 (Failed)
HB 3777 initially required mandatory spaying or neutering of any dog found at large twice in its lifetime, with limited exemptions. The AKC worked with the bill sponsor to address concerns about the impact on young, elderly, and working dogs. The substitute bill required sterilization only after a third at-large violation within a calendar year and expanded exemptions to include service, hunting, and working dogs, as well as dogs in all dog sports. Despite these improvements, the bill did not receive a hearing and failed to advance.
- Dangerous Dogs – House Bill 2806 & Senate Bill 155 (Failed)
HB 2806 and SB 155 proposed broadening the definition of a “dangerous dog” and creating a misdemeanor for any dog causing “bodily injury,” defined as physical pain, illness, or impairment. The AKC was concerned these bills did not distinguish between genuinely dangerous behavior and normal canine actions, potentially penalizing responsible owners. After AKC advocacy, HB 2806 was amended to remove the “bodily injury” language but ultimately died in the House. SB 155 did not advance in the Senate.
- Retail Pet Sales Ban – House Bill 3458 & Senate Bill 1652 (Failed)
HB 3458 and SB 1652 would have prohibited pet stores from selling dogs sourced from breeders. The AKC opposed these bills, arguing that such bans drive sales underground, increase the trafficking of unhealthy pets, and do not address irresponsible breeding. Both bills failed to receive floor votes, and Texas lawmakers have consistently rejected retail pet sales bans session after session.
- Dogs in Cars – House Bill 349 (Failed)
HB 349 would have provided liability protection for individuals who remove a domestic animal from a motor vehicle if they believed the animal was in imminent danger. The AKC expressed concerns that, without additional limits, the bill could have unintended consequences for responsible owners, such as liability if a dog acted dangerously when removed. HB 349 passed the House but failed to receive a hearing in the Senate. The AKC submitted formal concerns throughout the process.
The Texas Legislature may hold additional special sessions later this year, so please stay tuned for further updates. For more information or for more updates on Texas legislation, contact AKC Government Relations at dog...@akc.org .
