Texas Ethical Pet Sales Bill Fails in Legislature

Legislation aimed at banning the sale of dogs and cats sourced from puppy mills in retail pet stores has failed to pass in Texas despite bipartisan support and strong advocacy efforts. House Bill 3458 and Senate Bill 1652, known as the Ethical Pet Sales Bill, intended to cut off a key supply line for out-of-state puppy mills but stalled in the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, leaving the issue unresolved as the legislative session ended. Advocates, including the Texas Humane Legislation Network, expressed disappointment and concern that the failure allows continued animal cruelty and consumer deception, especially as local governments were stripped of their ability to enact similar ordinances. Similarly, in Nevada, a bill to ban pet store sales of dogs and cats was amended into a study, a move criticized by activists who suspect lobbying efforts influenced the change and prevented a direct vote on the issue. Both states face ongoing challenges with puppy mill-related animal welfare concerns and legislative attempts to address them have encountered significant obstacles. The situation underscores the continued tension between animal welfare advocates and industry lobbying interests in state legislatures.