Animal Defender Coalition

12/21/2023

I have one in every car in the house.

Collecting animal rescue/resources/building collab/allyship's/relationships
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09/13/2022

Join hundreds of other and us in Austin for the IN-PERSON Laws for Paws Symposium at the Texas Unites for Animals Conference in Austin on October 14!

We’ll answer your #1 animal welfare questions focusing on laws for "local" paws and the intersections between federal and state animal laws and local ordinances. The content of this symposium will be accessible for anyone seeking to promote change in local law and policy or understand the nuances of enforcing such laws, but it will also include cutting-edge information for veterans in the field.

This is eligible for 6 hours of CLE, DSHS, and CAWA CE credits!

To purchase tickets and learn more, go to https://cvent.me/Lkn2A5

*Note: This is a single-day track event. Special registration is required. Follow the website prompts to ensure you are scheduled for “the” Laws for Paws” Animal Law Track.”

*ONE WEEK left to register! Registration deadline is September 23, 2022.

09/02/2022

🗓️ Mark your calendars for our IN-PERSON Laws for Paws Symposium at the Texas Unites for Animals Conference in Austin on October 14!

We’ll answer your #1 animal welfare questions focusing on laws for "local" paws and the intersections between federal and state animal laws and local ordinances. The content of this symposium will be accessible for anyone seeking to promote change in local law and policy or understand the nuances of enforcing such laws, but it will also include cutting-edge information for veterans in the field.

This is eligible for 6 hours of CLE, DSHS, and CAWA CE credits!

🗓️ WHEN
Friday, October 14th | 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

📍 WHERE
The Arboretum - Renaissance Austin Hotel
9721 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX 78759

Register by visiting: https://web.cvent.com/event/b4e4fe82-0768-4bc3-8a46-898aac1af5b5/summary

*Note: This is a single-day track event. Special registration is required. Follow the website prompts to ensure you are scheduled for “the” Laws for Paws” Animal Law Track.”
*Registration deadline is September 23, 2022.

07/26/2022

🚨ACTION ALERT: The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the Big Cat Public Safety Act tomorrow or Wednesday, so it is CRUCIAL that federal legislators from Texas receive as many calls and emails as possible in the next 24 hours in support of the Act!

When you call or email, please focus on the following:

➡️ Texas is the #1 state for private ownership of big cats! Just look at the recent examples where big cats escaped their owners and enclosures.

➡️ There is enormous support from first responders whose lives are put at risk facing 300+ pound apex predators and a “NO” vote is a blatant disregard for their safety. The bill is endorsed enthusiastically by Texas LEOs and ACOs alike: the Sheriff’s Association of Texas, the Texas Municipal Police Association, the Texas Animal Control Association, and law enforcement officials and organizations from ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

This is a NATIONAL issue (and a fixable one with this commonsense bill) that has widespread bipartisan support. It is up for a vote early this week so please ask your representative to vote “YES” on !

If you don’t know your U.S. representative, visit https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home, enter your address, and the first name populated is your congressman or congresswoman for the United States House of Representatives.

DON’T DELAY, CALL TODAY! 📞

07/21/2022

07/18/2022

🔊 Opinion Poll: Do you think Texas should pass a law that makes the devocalization of dogs and cats illegal?

This past Spring, New York proposed a bipartisan bill that would ban devocalization procedures on dogs and cats. The bill (New York Senate Bill 9445) would prohibit the surgical devocalization of dogs or cats and impose civil and criminal penalties for individuals involved in law violations. The bill further would provide for the suspension or revocation of veterinary licenses for any veterinarians who illegally perform the procedure. The bill has been referred to the Senate Agriculture Committee for future review and consideration.

Should Texas pass a similar law? Let us know in the comments!

To read the entire bill, visit https://perma.cc/JLU2-4RML

06/17/2022

Summer came early this year in Texas - We urge you to think about how the heat affects our furry companions and know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 🚨

Remember these important tips and reminders of The Act:
⚠️ Bring your pets inside during extreme temperatures.
⚠️ Know where your pets are during the peak heat of the day. Your pet is required by law to have adequate shelter to protect them from extreme heat.
⚠️ Check on them often and frequently, and ALWAYS ensure potable water is available as required by law. Water can evaporate with rising temperatures which leaves them without proper hydration.
⚠️ Watch for local heat advisories and provide your pets with proper care.
⚠️ Take your animal on early morning or evening walks to prevent paw pad burn from scorching hot pavement.

If you see active animal abuse or outdoor dogs in your community whose level of care does NOT meet the requirements outlined in the law, PLEASE document and REPORT to your local law enforcement and animal control!

Need more information? We have resource guides available on our website at thln.org/a_brand_new_day

You can also read the full law here:https://webservices.sos.state.tx.us/legbills/files/C387/SB5.pdf

05/15/2022

🗳️ Round 1 of 3 is over. We’re now getting ready for Round 2 of Texas Primaries! The Primary Runoff Election will be held on May 24, 2022. Early voting for the Primary Runoff begins TOMORROW through May 20th.

A Primary Runoff election is held when none of the candidates receives 50% or more of the vote to represent their party in the General Election. The top two vote winners from the Primary face each other in their party’s Primary Runoff.

For the Texas House of Representatives, there are 22 Primary Runoffs for candidates vying to represent their party on May 24th. For the Texas Senate, there are three runoff races on May 24th.

The following candidates have the THLN endorsement for the May 24, 2022 Runoff:
👍 Morgan LaMantia SD27
👍 Glenn Rogers HD60
👍 Jamee Jolly HD70
👍 Suleman Lalani HD76
👍 Venton Jones HD100
👍 Shelley Torian Barineau HD133

To view the full list of THLN’s endorsed candidates, visit https://www.thln.org/thln_announces_endorsements_in_the_2022_primary_runoff_election

Stay tuned for more information about the upcoming November election and visit thln.org for more information.

05/13/2022

05/12/2022

🚨LEGISLATION UPDATE: Today, the Dallas City Council passed the MONUMENTAL humane ordinance related to animal welfare! THLN and The Humane Society of the United States has been diligently working with the city on the ordinances to address many challenges regarding animal sheltering and animals in the field.

This ordinance will prohibit the sale of puppies and kittens in pet stores, prevent cruel breeding practices, close the puppy mill pipeline to Dallas and protect unsuspecting families from deceptive financial practices along with the other major Texas cities with this ordinance. This ordinance will support animal welfare organizations and change the landscape of animal welfare in Texas!

To read our entire statement and find additional resources, visit www.thln.org/dallas_city_council_committee_passes_humane_pet_store_ordinance

05/03/2022

04/28/2022

04/25/2022

📣 Calling all elementary school teachers! Do you believe that teaching kindness and empathy towards animals should be a part of every child’s learning experience? Do you have experience teaching kids about how to care for pets and be safe around animals? We’d love to hear from you!

If you are interested in participating in our Humane Curriculum round table, please email Stacy Sutton Kerby at [email protected].

04/11/2022

Each year, thousands of baby rabbits, chicks, and ducks are purchased as Easter gifts, typically for children, only to be abandoned outside or left at shelters soon after. Many are also purchased to be used as props for Easter photoshoots. 👎

95% of “Easter bunnies” do not make it to age 1?

Texas Humane Legislation Network strongly urges parents and photographers to NOT buy these live, delicate animals as Easter gifts unless they’re ready to make a 10-year minimum commitment to care for them.

Did you know these rabbit facts?
🐇 Rabbits are not “low-maintenance” pets — they need as much care and attention as dogs and cats. It can take longer to bond with them since they are prey animals and can be much more fearful.
🐇 Rabbits are the third most frequently surrendered animal at shelters and the third most euthanized.
🐇 According to an ASPCA study, rabbits are more expensive to own than cats or guinea pigs — coming just after dogs in expense.
🐇 Rabbits need to be spayed/neutered to prevent cancer and unwanted litters. Up to 80% of female rabbits will develop uterine cancer by age 4-6 if not spayed.
🐇 Rabbits need to live inside the home for their safety and health, with 2-4 hours of exercise time in a bunny-proofed environment each day.
🐇 Rabbits need routine veterinary care by a specialized vet.

Information courtesy of House Rabbit Society

Learn more about the Texas Humane Network Humane Curriculum, which features a special lesson on ‘The Forgotten Rabbit’ at www.texashumanenetwork.org

04/08/2022

What are YOU doing to help prevent animal cruelty? April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month and of course, we’ve pulled together some pointers if you aren’t sure where to start:

🔹See Something, Say Something
If you witness animal cruelty, speak up! Report the incident immediately to the correct local enforcement agency, i.e. Police or animal control. Posting about the incident on social media could endanger the animal even more by giving the offender more time to hide the animal, evidence, or the offense before law enforcement can act.

🔹Document Everything
Take photos, videos, and write down anything you witness! Every detail matters, no matter how big or small. These details will help investigators and law enforcement if they need to develop a case against the individual committing the crimes.

🔹Contact Your Local Authorities
Don’t place yourself in danger trying to save the animal, contact the appropriate local enforcement agency directly. Continue to document any further abuse until local authorities are able to address the situation.

🔹Educate Your Children
The humane treatment of animals is strongly linked to the development of empathy, especially from a young age. Teaching children about compassion towards animals can help break the endless cycle of abuse. Teach your children about appropriate interactions with animals and advocate for humane education in their schools.

Do you have a pointer we can add to our list? Let us know!
You can find this and other resources on our website, texashumanenetwork.org

04/01/2022

April 1st marks Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month 🗓️ Animal cruelty is linked to: domestic violence, child abuse, drug and weapon violations, bullying, homicides/assaults, and more? Research also shows that a large majority of serial killers and school shooters committed their first act of violence on animals.

We MUST educate our youth to break the cycle of violence and domestic abuse. Our mission for Texas Humane Network is to promote the humane treatment of animals through education, training, and outreach. The AWARE Humane Education Kit we’ve been developing aims to educate children on the basic understanding of animal behavior, empathy towards animals and others, respect and responsibility. Children as young as age seven can learn these valuable fundamental skills. With your support, we can STOP the violence to break the generational cycle of abuse.

The upcoming Texas Humane Network 2022 Gala will be raising funds to directly support and impact this cause! Buy your tickets at: texashumanenetwork.org/news-events/upcoming-events/2022-gala

To read more about the LINK and how all forms of abuse are connected, visit the newest blog from Texas Humane Network at: texashumanenetwork.org/you-can-help/cross-reporting-of-abuse.

03/27/2022

🚨 CALLING ALL DALLAS SUPPORTERS!
Across the state, retail pet stores sell a tremendous number of puppies, sourcing them from out-of-state large-scale commercial breeding facilities, thus continuing the puppy mill pipeline. These puppies are shipped in tight quarters over hundreds, even thousands, of miles before arriving at a store for sale—often arriving dehydrated, sick, and infected by a number of diseases such as super viruses like Campylobacter and Giardia. Unsuspecting Texans buy these puppies, become attached, and are soon faced with crushing vet bills and the potential death of their new pet.

A humane pet store ordinance will CLOSE the puppy mill pipeline to Dallas. Records show that Dallas Petland has sold out-of-state puppy mill puppies for years… Online reviews demonstrate that it has engaged in predatory practices at the detriment of residents and puppies alike. Dallas Petland has had horrific online complaints in just the last TWO years, not only for selling sick puppies but extremely high-interest rates not disclosed with the purchase.

On Tuesday, March 29th, Dallas City Council Committee, Quality of Life Arts & Culture, will be discussing the Humane Pet Store Ordinance. Dallas Animal Shelter (DAS) will be asking the city council to draft an ordinance to stop the sale of puppies in Dallas and ONLY allow adoptions.
Please contact the following Dallas council members and ask them to support DAS and the Humane Pet Store Ordinance so it can join Houston, San Antonio, and the other growing list of Texas cities that have similar ordinances.

Why a Humane Pet Store Ordinance?
➡️ Dallas pet stores will not be selling puppy mill puppies. Instead they’ll be supporting adoption of puppies from shelters and rescues, giving homes to animals that need them.
➡️ Good for consumers: Dallasites will be free from purchasing sick puppies, unfair lending practices, unscrupulous balloon payments, or immediate vet bills from a sick puppy.
➡️ Good for business: Out of 33 pet stores, only one is out of compliance with this potential ordinance and selling puppies. The only business affected would be the one taking advantage of everyday Texans.

Adam Bazaldua, Chair, [email protected], (214) 670-4689
Chad West – Vice Chair, [email protected], (214) 670-0776
Carolyn King Arnold, [email protected], (214) 671-9347
Paula Blackmon, [email protected], (214) 671-8916
Omar Narvaez, [email protected], (214) 670-6931
Paul Ridley, [email protected], (214) 670-5415
Casey Thomas, [email protected], (214) 670-0777

03/12/2022

Animal Cruelty Units are dedicated to protecting animals from neglect and mistreatment. They also work hard to prosecute and punish animal cruelty offenders. Remember, if you see animal abuse, DO NOT put yourself in danger trying to rescue the animal. It’s crucial to document what you observed, take pictures of the location and animal(s) in question, and, if you can, provide the names and contact information of the potential offenders. If you think an animal is potentially being abused, please contact your local Animal Cruelty Unit. The best thing to do is report the suspicions and let the animal personnel or law enforcement handle the situation.

Thank you to the incredible Animal Cruelty Units who continue to protect Texas animals!

*Image courtesy of Animal Investigation & Response

03/09/2022

Congratulations to City of Bryan - Government and Wienerspiel for making Bryan, Texas the 11th city in the Lonestar State to pass a humane pet store ordinance, which prohibits the retail sales of commercially bred puppies in pet stores.

More than 450 cities across the country and 3 states have passed similar laws in response to the well-document and profound animal welfare and consumer protection concerns inherent in the puppy mill to pet store pipeline.

Thank you to the dedicated advocates and City Council members who worked together to take this important step! Well done!!

03/01/2022

Texas Primary Election Day is TODAY! 🗳️ Your vote directly affects who will be on the ballot for General Elections come November. Your vote is IMPORTANT!

"We strongly believe that animal welfare issues are nonpartisan and endorse BOTH Republican and Democratic candidates who have proven they care about the welfare of Texas animals," said Stacy Sutton Kerby, Director of Government Relations for THLN. "We encourage Texas voters who care deeply about animal issues to consider our endorsements because without these advocates back in the Capitol in 2023, it will be much harder to pass animal welfare laws," finished Kerby.

Don't worry - these are endorsements in districts with contested primaries and animal champions. We'll be making endorsements in the November general election too!

Make plans to get out and VOTE today! ✔️

Not sure where to vote? Find out: www.votetexas.gov/voting/where.html
To view our list of animal friendly candidates, visit: www.thln.org/2022_primary_election_endorsements

01/31/2022

ALWAYS BIG LOVE 💚here HASH - Vegan Eats SA
Sparky💥 our lastest San Antonio freezing barrio pup ready to roll home :
Foster? Adopter? Fam? Sponsor?

01/28/2022

Dr. Shana Bohac, a Texas veterinarian, recently wrote an article on The Victoria Advocate about The Act and how it can keep your pets healthy and safe. Thank you, Dr. Bohac and The Victoria Advocate, for the feature!

The positives of this law far outway the negatives. As time moves forward, we hope Texans will advocate for the enforcement of the law and surrounding efforts to provide better treatment and care of outdoor dogs in Texas.

“This law was put into effect to help protect pets from abuse. Keep in mind it is not to punish any pet owners, instead it is in effect to help make sure your pet stays safe and healthy.”

To read the full article, visit www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/local/shana-bohac-safe-outdoor-dogs-act-in-texas-is-meant-to-keep-pets-healthy-safe/article_e0a0da94-7952-11ec-a3f7-ab0c1dc88fff.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

To read our resources on The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, visit www.thln.org/a_brand_new_day

01/18/2022

01/18/2022

https://fb.me/e/2YPQCb4oq

01/16/2022

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KOk_V_5mVuo&feature=youtu.be

Let’s BREAK THE CHAINS San Antonio! Ask us how to support our cities animals❤️

Chaining of dogs is prevalent in low-income communities across South Africa. The TEARS Mobile Clinic estimates that 40-percent of dogs living in the impoveri...