Big Wins (and a Few Misses) for Texas Animals This Legislative Session
The 2025 Texas legislative session just wrapped up. While not every bill made it across the finish line, several important victories for animals, and the people who care for them, will go into effect on September 1, 2025.
🐾 “Pancho and Leia’s Law” – A Step Forward in Preventing Animal Cruelty
HB 285, also known as Pancho and Leia’s Law, will strengthen Texas’ stance against cruelty.
This bill adds criminal negligence to the state’s existing animal cruelty statute, closing a gap that previously allowed some offenders to avoid accountability.
According to Rep. Claudia Ordaz, “Right now, families have no legal path to seek justice when their dogs or cats are harmed due to negligence — and those responsible can go on to hurt more animals.” This law changes that.
🚗 Protecting Animal Control Officers on the Road
Another important win: SB 305 now adds animal control and field officers to Texas’ “Move Over or Slow Down” law.
These officers are on the front lines every day, rescuing stray animals, responding to welfare calls, and transporting pets in need. By requiring drivers to give them extra space, this law helps keep those officers, and the animals they’re helping, safer.
🚙 A New Way to Support Spay & Neuter Efforts
If you’ve ever seen Texas’ “Animal-Friendly” license plate, you’ll be happy to know there’s going to be a second option!
SB 1568 approves a new specialty license plate with the message “Spay. Neuter. Adopt.” Best of all? $22 from every plate sold will go to a state fund supporting low-cost spay and neuter services across Texas. That means more access to affordable vet care, fewer unwanted litters, and more lives saved.
Get a more comprehensive look at the laws that passed, and those that didn't, from the Texas Humane Legistation Network.
Help Us Keep Fighting for Texas Pets
At Houston Humane Society, we care deeply about what happens at the Capitol that affects the cats, dogs, and other domestic animals we see every single day.
Our work in the adoption center, animal clinci, and throughout our community is made possible by people like you. If you believe in a safer, more compassionate future for animals, there’s a simple way to make a difference:
👉 Donate today to support our lifesaving programs — from cruelty response to vet car to adoptions.
Together, we can keep speaking up for the animals who can’t speak for themselves.
