🐾 Why Texas Needs the Ethical Pet Sales Bill (SB 1652)

Texas is home to millions of animal lovers. But right now, our laws don’t protect dogs and cats sold in pet stores — many of which come from cruel, out-of-state puppy mills. That’s why Senate Bill 1652 (SB 1652), also known as the Ethical Pet Sales Bill, is a game-changer for animal welfare in our state.

Introduced by Senator Judith Zaffirini, SB 1652 would ban the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores across Texas. Instead, it would allow stores to partner with animal shelters and nonprofit rescues to showcase adoptable pets — as long as those organizations don’t breed or sell animals for profit.

Every year, thousands of puppies and kittens are sold in pet stores that are sourced from large-scale commercial breeding operations — commonly known as puppy mills. These facilities often prioritize profit over animal health, resulting in:

• Overcrowded cages
   
• Lack of veterinary care
   
• Severe behavioral and medical issues
   
• Early death and suffering
   

Meanwhile, our shelters are overflowing with loving pets waiting for homes.

By passing SB 1652, Texas would: ✅ Cut off the pipeline from cruel puppy mills
✅ Support ethical rescue organizations
✅ Protect consumers from unknowingly buying sick animals
✅ Promote adoption and reduce pet overpopulation

SB 1652 has bipartisan support, with backing from senators on both sides of the aisle. Animal advocacy organizations like the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) and Animal Defenders Alliance are also championing the bill.

But it won’t pass without your voice.

Texas lawmakers need to hear from constituents who care about animals. Use the template below to email or mail your state senator and representative. It only takes a minute — and it could save thousands of lives.

pgsqlCopyEditSubject: Please Support SB 1652 — The Ethical Pet Sales Bill



Dear [Senator/Representative Last Name],



My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a resident of [Your City/Town], Texas. I’m writing to urge you to support Senate Bill 1652 (SB 1652), also known as the Ethical Pet Sales Bill.



SB 1652 would prohibit the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores across Texas and instead allow these stores to partner with shelters and nonprofit rescue organizations to showcase adoptable animals. This bill is a compassionate, commonsense approach to ending the inhumane puppy mill pipeline that supplies many retail pet stores.



As your constituent, I believe Texas must do more to protect animals and promote ethical practices in our communities. This bill has bipartisan support, reflects the values of Texas families, and puts the wellbeing of both animals and consumers first.



Please vote YES on SB 1652 and be a voice for the voiceless.



Thank you for your time and your service.



Sincerely,  

[Your Name]  

[Your Address or Zip Code]  

[Your Email or Phone Number, optional]

Animals can’t speak up for themselves — but we can. Share this post, contact your legislators, and tell your friends and family about SB 1652. Together, we can protect animals, shut down cruel breeding operations, and support the rescues doing it right.