Righteous Paws Rescue

09/08/2023

08/18/2023

08/01/2023

🚨 ACTION ALERT: HOUSTON
The Petland Bellaire location in Houston continues to sell puppies in violation of the ordinance that THLN helped pass in 2022! Petland Bellaire had over one year to change its business model, come into compliance with the ordinance, and failed to do so and has been in violation for over six months.

BARC and the City of Houston have since charged the Houston Petland Bellaire and the trial is scheduled for August 3, 2023, at 4 p.m.

If you plan to attend, your presence alone will show support for the city and our Humane Pet Store Ordinance.

📍Houston Municipal Court 14 (Southeast Command Station)
8300 Mykawa Road
Houston, Texas 77048

Learn more at thln.org/petland_bellaire_court

08/01/2023

Lubbock Animal Services (LAS) is temporarily suspending all intakes and adoptions while waiting for laboratory diagnostics related to an animal illness. Out of an abundance of caution, no animals will be accepted at LAS at this time, and no adoptions will be processed until further notice.

Additionally, only City of Lubbock LAS staff will be permitted in the facility. The facility will be closed to the public, and no volunteers will be permitted until further notice.

Citizens in need of curbside service can call LAS at 806-775-2057.

07/01/2023

📣 CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES…PLEASE READ BEFORE REPEALING LOCAL ANIMAL ORDINANCES!

THLN recently learned that cities in Texas are already repealing animal welfare ordinances related to animal businesses. As a result of House Bill 2127, The Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, Texas’ municipalities are preempted from regulating activity under several sections of the Texas code unless that authority is expressly granted under another statute. HB 2127 amends Chapter 229 of the Local Government Code by prohibiting municipalities from adopting or enforcing regulations concerning “the breeding, care, treatment, or sale of animals or animal products, including a veterinary practice, or the business’s transactions if the person operating that business holds a license for the business that is issued by the federal government or a state.”

In other words, if your city has a Humane Pet Store Ordinance or a ban on the sale of animals on public roadways and/or in parking lots, your ordinances ARE PROTECTED so please let your shelter manager, city or county attorney know.

If you have any questions relating to HB 2127, please email [email protected].

Please read our full statement at https://www.thln.org/house_bill_2127_updates_for_texas_cities_and_municipalities

06/10/2023

Reposted 🥳 WHAT A SESSION! This year, the 88th Texas Legislature considered HUNDREDS of bills affecting the treatment of animals in Texas, including bills brought and supported by THLN. Given our 48 years at the Texas Capitol, our experience helped us face challenges head on and it brought important change for Texas animals! 🎉👏

THLN also assisted in writing bills, testified at hearings by request, and researched and analyzed new animal welfare policies for Texas. Thank you to our legislators, Capitol Crusaders, volunteers, and supporters like YOU who advocated for important bills that will positively affect Texas animals and the people who care for them.

To read our end-of-session report, please visit the link in bio!

06/06/2023

05/24/2023

🚨 NEWS UPDATE: Dozens of dogs were rescued from a structure fire in Temple this month. Temple Fire & Rescue responded to the report of a structure fire, however, responders quickly turned to rescue when several animals were in the house.

Firefighters pulled 24 dogs from inside the structure. At first, only six were found to be alert and breathing on their own. Through vigorous stimulation, providing oxygen and some medical care, firefighters and EMS crews were able to successfully revive 14 of the 18 remaining dogs which suffered from smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Thank you first-responders of Temple Fire and Rescue for your heroic efforts of saving these animals! Thank you also to Representative James Talarico and Senator Dr. Charles Schwertner for teaming up to pass House Bill 2063! requires boarding kennels to inform pet parents what measures they have taken to prevent pets perishing in fires and other disasters. Pets are family and we all want to know how safe our family members will be in someone else’s care.

https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/24-dogs-pulled-from-building-fire-in-texas/

Dozens of dogs were rescued from a structure fire in Temple on Friday morning.

05/18/2023

Brian Casillas, a 20-year-old man, was fatally shot by Dallas police while on the run after shooting two of his family members over loud music. Someone from Briggs Street called 911 to report a man covered in blood knocking on their door. Corporal Scott Jay and his K-9 partner Figor were wounded in the shootout, and the suspect was killed.

“The work of this dog that night is nothing short of heroic. Our canines are invaluable members of this police department and helped save his partner’s life. He did everything he was trained to do and exceeded all expectations of the canine partner and as a member of the Dallas Police Department ” said Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia.

Officer Jay and K-9 Officer Figor are expected to fully recover from their injuries.

It’s illegal to interfere with police service animals? According to Texas Penal Code Section 38.151, punishment ranges from a misdemeanor up to a felony in the 2nd degree.

To read the full story and watch the playback of their bravery, visit https://dallasexpress.com/crime/video-shooting-of-dpd-officer-and-k-9-partner/?acuuid=14488&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Chicago%3A+No+More+Unlawful+Migrants+From+TX&utm_campaign=5+02+2023+Newsletter

Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia held a press conference Monday morning to give an update on Friday’s officer-involved shooting.

05/18/2023

🚨ABUSE ALERT UPDATE: A judge in San Antonio recently gave a life sentence to a man for killing a K-9 dog.

Matthew Reyes Mireles was convicted of shooting Chucky, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois that was part of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Authorities said that Mireles shot at officers as he led them on a chase through Karnes, Wilson, and Bexar counties. After fleeing on foot, Mireles allegedly fired several shots at officers and also at Chucky, who police deployed in an attempt to catch him. Because Mireles had nine prior felony convictions, he was sentenced as a habitual offender.

“Justice does not tolerate those who endanger others, show no respect for the lives of our citizens, and habitually commit crime after crime,” Bexar County District Attorney Joe D. Gonzales said in a statement.

It’s illegal to interfere with police service animals? According to Texas Penal Code Section 38.151, punishment ranges from a misdemeanor up to a felony in the 2nd degree. We are pleased to see Bexar County taking action to ensure justice and safety is a top priority for our law enforcement units - both man and dog.

To read the full story, visit https://www.whio.com/news/trending/man-convicted-killing-police-k-9-sentenced-life-prison/RGJNSDDQ3FDTLDJJQR7EWQNH4I/

Matthew Mireles was sentenced to three life terms, to be served concurrently.

05/09/2023

Reposted 🚨LEGISLATION UPDATE: / (The Puppy Mill Bill) has PASSED the Senate and is now set for a House floor vote! We are so close to getting this bill across the finish line and improving conditions for THOUSANDS of commercially-bred dogs and cats.

📞⏱️ TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! We need every advocate to call or email their Representative and ask them to vote YES on SB 876 / HB 2238. Please don't delay, click here to find your House Representative and their contact information NOW! https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home

05/04/2023

Reposted FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Austin Animal Center receives 20-dog seizure, asks for help from community and partners⁠
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Today, Austin Animal Center received a seizure of 20 large dogs. ⁠
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“This sudden influx highlights the crisis we’ve been facing regarding space,” said Chief Animal Services Officer Don Bland. “This morning we started our day with 344 medium/large dogs, and our capacity is 272. We have 33 dogs living in crates and dozens more in non-public kennels that are traditionally saved for situations like this. We have nowhere to place incoming dogs.”⁠
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Austin Animal Center is asking the community to consider foster a medium/large dog for at least a month to help alleviate some of the strain. Interested fosters are asked to apply online at www.austintexas.gov/department/foster-pet. ⁠
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The shelter is located at 7201 Levander Loop and open for adoptions Monday through Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm. Adoption fees are currently $25 for all animals through Bissell Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” national adoption event. Fees are waived for any dog staying in a crate. ⁠
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Rescue partners are also being asked to help by pulling available medium/large dogs as able. Interested rescues are asked to email [email protected]⁠
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05/04/2023

🚨BREAKING NEWS! On April 27, 2023, the Texas Attorney General has issued a Civil Investigative Demand related to possible violations by Petland, Inc and its franchises of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices & Consumer Protection Act.

This follows other investigations by attorney generals in other states like Florida. According to the Florida complaint, the pet stores falsely claim the puppies for sale are already, or could be, registered with the American Kennel Club and make misrepresentations that puppies come from USDA breeders. This is a step in the right direction for Texas!

The Timing on this investigation is crucial as we move full steam ahead into the final weeks of the legislative session. Please continue to follow our action alerts for SB 876/HB 2238 and other Legislation we are fighting to get across the finish line! thln.org/legislative_session

Read the full story here, https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/city-life/petland-attorney-general-puppy-mills/

04/27/2023

Reposted ❗Beware of This Deadly Water Mold ❗

Pythium insidiosum are organisms often found in ponds, swamps and other forms of stagnant water that can cause a serious, potentially life-threatening infection called pythiosis. The infection is difficult to treat and often isn’t diagnosed until it has progressed into severe disease, making it deadly to dogs. 💔

Learn about the signs, symptoms and treatment for pythiosis when you click the link in our bio. https://bit.ly/3MToN85

04/27/2023

🥳GREAT NEWS! (The Puppy Mill Bill) PASSED out of the Senate with bipartisan support! SB 876 would strengthen the Texas Licensed Breeders Program and improve conditions for commercially-bred dogs and cats.

We want to extend a huge thank you to our bill authors, Senator John Whitmire and Senator Pete Flores, District 24, for their strong leadership on this legislation, and of course, to our dedicated advocates who have helped support this legislation every step of the way. This is despite opposition from American Kennel Club (North Carolina) and American Dog Breeders Association (Utah), outside special interest groups that think they know what’s best for Texas. In the hearing, one of their witnesses stated that this bill is unnecessary because the AKC inspects thousands of breeders. But every year, the AKC breeders are exposed for not meeting even the most basic standards.

➡️ Keep up with everything we’re doing at the Capitol at https://www.thln.org/legislative_session

➡️ To make a donation to support our efforts, please visit https://www.thln.org/donation/

04/24/2023

👀I look forward to meeting more local Austin 🐶 puppy defenders this morning

Reposted 🚨 ACTION ALERT: GOOD NEWS! The Humane Pet Store bill ( ) has been set for a House Hearing on Monday April 24th! We KNOW the pet store lobbyists and breeders will flood the zone – so we MUST have a strong showing of support for HB 870!

Austin Locals - Join us at the Capitol on Monday, April 24th, by 8:15 AM to register your SUPPORT for HB 870 at a Kiosk. You don’t have to stay for the hearing after you register. If you have never done it before, someone will be there to help you!

HB 870 requires pet stores to feature dogs and cats from shelters and rescues instead of puppies and kittens from inhumane mills. This bill is VITAL to stopping pet stores from continually flouting Texas municipal ordinances by either ignoring them or setting up shop right next to the City limits where they benefit from high foot traffic, and ordinances do not apply to them.

🚨 IN ADDITION HB 3563 will be heard at the same House Hearing. HB 3563 that will allow “qualified breeders” to supply pet stores. Qualified breeders are the same USDA license holders that currently supply stores with puppies bred in puppy mills. If HB 3563 passes, it would be worse than no law regulating retail pet sales. Codifying “qualified breeder” means the State of Texas has given its blessing to the puppy mills and retailers who have for decades defrauded customers with sick, defective puppies.

If you’re joining us at the Capitol, please come Monday, April 24th, by 8:15 AM to OPPOSE HB 3563 at a Kiosk.

➡️ Can’t come Monday? No worries, you can call your Legislator TOMORROW to tell them you SUPPORT HB 870 and OPPOSE HB 3563!

04/20/2023

Reposted 🚨ACTION ALERT: Today, The Puppy Mill Bill ( ) was voted out of the Criminal Justice Committee by a unanimous vote! The bill would establish basic standards of care for dogs and cats bred in commercial facilities and close major loopholes that prevent breeders from being held accountable. We want to extend a huge thank-you to our bill authors Senator Flores and Senator Whitmire for their hard work on this legislation.

Next, this bill will go to a vote on the Senate floor. That means we need YOU to contact your Senator, regardless of where you live and ask them to support SB 876!

📞 To find your Senator, please visit our page! Please don't delay, we need you to act NOW and help us get The Puppy Mill Bill one step closer to becoming law!

04/17/2023

Reposted 🚨 ACTION ALERT: Keep calling your Senators in SUPPORT of ! This bill protects puppies, dogs, and future families from ever purchasing a sick puppy, similar to one of our supporters, Vicky U. 💔

Vicky unknowingly bought her French bulldog, Honie (pictured), from an unlicensed breeder that she soon discovered had various health issues upon bringing her home. Honie started having vision problems and curvature of her spine. Then she lost the use of her back legs. Today, Honie must wear a diaper like a baby and use a wheelchair to get around with constant monitoring.

“If we don’t pass SB 876, this breeder and so many others like [Honie’s breeder] will continue breeding puppies in deplorable conditions and selling them to unsuspecting Texans who will then have a sick pet they love that they will likely either spend thousands of dollars on at the vet, or have the dog euthanized, or surrender the dog to a shelter. These unlicensed breeders sell puppies at flea markets, in parking lots, and over the internet to Texans all across the state,” said Vicky.

We couldn’t agree more. We MUST continue to stay diligent and ensure legislators know about this important legislation!

🔴Stay up-to-date with everything we’re doing during the Session; please visit thln.org/join.
🔴To make a one-time or monthly donation to support our efforts, please visit thln.org/donation.

Photos provided by Vicky U.

04/03/2023

Reposted .veganeats.sa ✨Story time ✨

The Southside chronicles.

A few weeks ago we were leaving HASH and came across these cuties. They were playing in the street and destined to become roadkill. Thankfully we were able to stop and save em. 🥰

They are now officially up for adoption or foster!! 🐕

These bbs are potty trained and cute as heck! 🥺

One boy, one girl. Seem to be siblings. Super bonded.

Help us share this post far and wide to get them into a furrever home!

Please and thank you fam!

😻🐈🐱🐩🐶🐁🐀🐱🐔🐓🐰🐹🐐🐑🐏🐦🐥🐤🐣🐺🐃🐂🐄🐮🐴🐗🐧🐍🐸🐽🐷🐖🐘🐨🐒🐵🐯🐻🐠🐟🐋🐊🐪🐫🐡🐙🐚🐬🐌🐛🐜🐝🐞🐲🐉🐾

04/03/2023

Reposted Today begins Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month!

While there is no legal definition, a puppy mill is commonly defined as a large-scale breeding facility that places profits over the welfare of the animals it is breeding, however, these animals are often kept in a lifetime of cruel and unsanitary conditions.

Puppy mills cannot be outlawed, but meaningful regulation is the next best thing. / are currently in committee waiting to be voted out. Please contact your legislators if you live in the districts below! A two-minute phone call could change a legislator’s vote!

To learn more about spotting red flags of bad breeders, check out our resource guide on puppy mills! ➡️

Photos courtesy of Companion Animal Protection Society: www.caps-web.org

02/10/2023

Reposted from February is ! 🐶😺

Spaying and neutering is a proven way to save the lives of stray animals AND companion animals who might otherwise be put down.

Every year, millions of unwanted cats and dogs are needlessly euthanized in shelters across the country due to overpopulation, with TEXAS ranking #2 in the most overpopulated state. 😲

Contact your local animal shelter to learn more about free or low-cost spay/neuter services in your area, and visit spayneuternet.org to find a clinic near you.