EAST TEXAS HOG DOGGERS FORUM

Hello everyone,

Lance Falzone, catchrcall, has been doing a lot of research on bill writing as well as bills that were brought forward in the last legislative session that will be brought forward again, more than likely, in this legislative session. After seeing all of this transpire, Lance and LSWDA thought it would benefit the working dogs of our great state better to be more pro-active than re-active, therefore, trying to get a Bill on the floor that exempts working dogs and their owners from all the crazy pet Bills the antis are trying to get put in place. We are looking at getting working dogs classified as livestock instead of pets.  Lance and LSWDA have put together a Bill proposal and Lance has been in contact with Representative Aycoc k's Chief of Staff.  We are hoping that they pick it up and sponsor it and get it on the floor for this session.  We feel that the more people that get behind this Bill proposal and push it to their own Representatives as well as passing the word to other working dog organizations and owners, the more noise and pressure we can apply, the more likely we can get it looked at and a possibility of getting it sponsored or co-sponsored and hopefully pushed through. We need your help to get this ball rolling.

LSWDA is making it very easy for you all to help us with this.  Everything you will need to submit this Bill proposal to your State Representative is on the main page of our website  
www.lswda.org/
There is a link to find your representative, a copy of the Bill proposal for you to send, as well as a form letter that each of you can adjust to fit you....we also included the AKC PDF on "How to Contact Your State Representative".  All of this can be found in one area and is just a click away!!We need all working dog owners to help, so PLEASE check it out!!!

If the Bill is picked up and sponsored, we will let all of you know who the sponsor or co-sponsors are as well as the Bill #.

LSWDA, Lance, and myself extend our thanks in advance for your help with this. We feel that all working dog owners can benefit from this proposal. Let's be pro-active for once and not re-active!!

PRINTED MY COPIES OF THE LETTER AND THE PROPOSED BILL!! WILL BE SENDING TO CRAIG ESTES AND RICK HARDCASTLE!! THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION.

Thank you JoshH34.   We appreciate your support and help!!!

 I did all mine in less than 5 minutes using the LSWDA website links.

i dont know where the big thumbs up button is but this will have to do   ;D ;D ;D i like this!

need everyones support the language has been re-written on this proposal and time to get it to representatives to get a sponsor to see it introduced into legislation, where it will then get a number and be heard.
EVERYBODY PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES OUT YOUR DAY, IF YOU LOVE THE SPORT OF HUNTING WITH YOUR DOGS, Pass it on to others that don't want to be subject to mandatory spaying and neutering of their dogs also.

The new edited version should be up on the website by the end of today, but if anyone would like a copy of the file, please post up or pm me with your email address.  We have a deadline of March 11th to get this sponsored to be heard in THIS legislation session - if we don't make that, then we will not get another chance for 2 years!!  So please speak to your State Representatives regarding this Bill proposal!

Thanks for any and everyone's help and support!!!

Feel Free to cross post all over the internet to gain more support, we need to get this out there and fast too!

Get details on who to write to, how, ect, front page of www.lswda.org


The Honorable (legislator's name)

His/her address

City, State, Zip



Dear Sen/Rep Name:



Recently, a bill was submitted by Army SSgt. Lance Falzone of Copperas Cove, TX, who is currently on deployment in Iraq to Texas House Representative Jimmie Don Aycock (District 54) relating to the classification and care of working dogs (Please see attached proposed bill).



There are many working dog owners, including those who own dogs that provide an unselfish beneficial service for the public; such as dogs used for police, military, search and rescue, service assistance animals, wounded game recovery, tending, locating, working, or protecting stock that would be positively impacted by this legislation.

I feel that this proposed bill would unshackle selflessness working dog owners from legislation meant to restrict pet dog breeders whose primary initiative is monetary gain. Furthermore, I believe this proposed bill would lift unnecessary restrictions from working dogs owners so that they may continue raising and training working animals used to fill needed, critical, and vital positions that are proven to provide an essential valuable service to and for the general public.

I am urging you to please support this proposed bill.



Thank you for your consideration.



Sincerely,

You’re Name

Your Address

Your Phone Number

Working Dog Preservation Bill



By:________________________ ____.B. NO. ________

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT

relating to the classification and care of working dogs



BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:



SECTION 1.

DEFINITION. In this Act a “working dog” means:

(1) A dog used primarily for the purpose of driving, tending, locating,

working, or protecting stock to include domestic and feral stock, swine and exotics;

(2) A dog used for police, military, substance detection, protection, search, rescue or recovery purposes;

(3) A dog used as a service, assistance or therapy animal;

(4) A dog used to locate, retrieve, or capture an animal, or used in the

recovery of wounded or dead animals;

(5) A dog that is in training for any of the above purposes;

(6) The definition does not rely upon where the dog lives, or it’s breed,

but its primary use;



SECTION 2.

A dog that is defined as a “working dog” is not considered a

pet and will be exempt from laws intended to apply to pets.



(2) A working dog will not be subject to laws:

(a) Requiring mandatory spay or neuter;

(b) Restricting or requiring permits for the number of animals an owner

may possess, regardless of reproductive status;

(c) Restricting how the dog may be housed;

(d) Requiring additional insurance due to weight, breed, sex, or

reproductive status is of the dog;

(e) Restricting breeds that may be kept by the owner.

SECTION 3. Section 42.09, Penal Code applies to the care of working dogs.

SECTION 4. This act takes effect September 1, 2011.

The Post and Bill proposal mentioned by Mike is a "PROTECTION" For ALL of Us and for those of you that don't care  or won't take the time to read something that does not concern you, Then you should take the time to know what will AFFECT YOU come September 1st this year if it passes,
Such As

HB 998 Under the bill, many sporting dog owners (hunting dogs) will be forced to buy the insurance
policy, neuter their dog, or face criminal charges. In addition, a large
number of sporting dog breeds weigh more than 20 pounds and would be
considered "unrestrained" under the bill's definition when hunting,
training, or field trialing. Even a securely tethered dog would be
considered unrestrained by this bill.

OR

Texas HB 1451 Rep. Thompson's Anti-Breeder Bill Filed Today! This bill will limit the number of intact dogs you may have without carrying a Breeders license which allows the inspectors to come onto and into your properties without notice or being let in, Read the bill, in theory it sounds good, in actuality it gives the potential to have animal inspectors to violate your constitutional rights without notice, its tricky langauge desguises the truth

HOWEVER IF YOU WILL PRINT OUT A LETTER, PUT IT IN A stamped  ENVELOPE AND PUT IN THE MAILBOX TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVE YOU CAN AVOID ALL THIS OTHER BILLS FROM NOW AND IN THE FUTURE It takes less time to do then all of You spend on this Forum Each day to make you and your dogs exempt from many bills to come that we would have to fight eachand everyone.

WE NEED ALL OF YOU to do this ONE TIME.
go to the front page of www.lswda.org and follow the instructions, Its Simple PREVENTION to put the ANTIS to a rest as far as our hunting dogs go

For all of those critics that do not believe any of the new Anti-led Legislation will affect them and/or their dogs, take a look at what I found!! These are the Bills that are poised and ready to enter Committee, get read on the floor, and be made into LAW by September 1, 2011!!! THAT IS THIS YEAR FOLKS!!! LSWDA has a Bill proposal that will keep the Anti-led legislation at bay and from affecting you, but it is UP TO YOU to help push it!! Contact your State Representatives today!! Aren’t your working dogs worth it???

HB 998: 82R2547 JSC-D
By: McClendon H.B. No. 998

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the civil liability of and insurance requirements for
owners of certain dogs; providing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 822, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 822.008 to read as follows:
Sec. 822.008. CIVIL LIABILITY AND LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR
CERTAIN DOGS. (a) This section applies only to a male dog that:
(1) has not been neutered;
(2) weighs 20 pounds or more; and
(3) is not restrained at all times:
(A) on a leash in the immediate control of a
person; or
(B) in a secure enclosure.
(b) The owner of a dog described by Subsection (a) is liable
for damages to property and for death or bodily injury to a person
resulting from an attack by the dog.
(c) The owner of a dog described by Subsection (a) shall
maintain liability insurance coverage in an amount of not less than
$100,000 for each occurrence for liability for damages to property
and for death or bodily injury to a person caused by the dog.
(d) A person commits an offense if the person violates
Subsection (c). An offense under this subsection is a Class C
misdemeanor unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the
person has previously committed an offense under this subsection,
in which event it is a Class B misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. Section 822.008, Health and Safety Code, as
added by this Act, applies only to a cause of action that accrues on
or after the effective date of this Act. A cause of action that
accrues before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law
as it existed at the time the cause of action accrued, and that law
is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.

HB 963: 82R3062 JSC-F
By: Hartnett H.B. No. 963

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the costs associated with proceedings regarding cruelly
treated animals.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 821.021, Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 821.021. DEFINITIONS [DEFINITION]. In this
subchapter:
(1) "Cruelly [, "cruelly] treated" means [includes]
tortured, seriously overworked, unreasonably abandoned,
unreasonably deprived of necessary food, care, or shelter, cruelly
confined, or caused to fight with another animal.
(2) "Nonprofit animal welfare organization" means a
nonprofit organization that:
(A) is exempt from federal taxation under Section
501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as a charitable
organization; and
(B) has as its purpose:
(i) the prevention of cruelty to animals;
or
(ii) the sheltering of, caring for, and
providing homes for lost, stray, and abandoned animals.
SECTION 2. Section 821.023, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by amending Subsections (d) and (e) and adding Subsections
(e-1), (e-2), and (e-3) to read as follows:
(d) If the court finds that the animal's owner has cruelly
treated the animal, the owner shall be divested of ownership of the
animal, and the court shall:
(1) order a public sale of the animal by auction;
(2) order the animal given to a municipal or county
animal shelter or a nonprofit animal welfare organization [shelter,
pound, or society for the protection of animals]; or
(3) order the animal humanely destroyed if the court
decides that the best interests of the animal or that the public
health and safety would be served by doing so.
(e) After a [A] court [that] finds that an animal's owner
has cruelly treated the animal, the court shall order the owner to
pay all court costs, including:
(1) the administrative costs of:
(A) [(1)] investigation;
(B) [(2)] expert witnesses; and
(C) [(3) housing and caring for the animal
during its impoundment;
[(4)] conducting any public sale ordered by the
court; and
(2) the costs incurred by a municipal or county animal
shelter or a nonprofit animal welfare organization in:
(A) housing and caring for the animal during its
impoundment; and
(B) [(5)] humanely destroying the animal if
destruction is ordered by the court.
(e-1) After a court finds that an animal's owner has cruelly
treated the animal, the court shall determine the estimated costs
to house and care for the impounded animal during the appeal
process, based on evidence provided by the municipal or county
animal shelter or nonprofit animal welfare organization that would
be caring for the animal during the pendency of the appeal.
(e-2) After making the determination under Subsection
(e-1), the court shall set the amount of bond for an appeal equal to
the sum of:
(1) the amount of the court costs ordered under
Subsection (e); and
(2) 150 percent of the estimated costs determined
under Subsection (e-1).
(e-3) Notwithstanding any other law, the amount of court
costs that a court may order under Subsection (e) and the amount of
bond that a court determines under Subsection (e-2) are excluded in
determining the court's jurisdiction under Subtitle A, Title 2,
Government Code.
SECTION 3. Section 821.024(c), Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(c) If the officer is unable to sell the animal at auction,
the officer may cause the animal to be humanely destroyed or may
give the animal to a municipal or county animal shelter or a
nonprofit animal welfare organization [shelter, pound, or society
for the protection of animals].
SECTION 4. Section 821.025(a), Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) An owner divested of ownership of an animal under
Section 821.023 may appeal the order to a county court or county
court at law in the county in which the justice or municipal court
is located. As a condition of perfecting an appeal, not later than
the 10th calendar day after the date the order is issued, the owner
must file a notice of appeal and a cash bond or surety [an appeal]
bond in an amount set [determined] by the court under Section
821.023(e-2) [from which the appeal is taken to be adequate to cover
the estimated expenses incurred in housing and caring for the
impounded animal during the appeal process]. Not later than the
fifth calendar day after the date the notice of appeal and [appeal]
bond is filed, the court from which the appeal is taken shall
deliver a copy of the court's transcript or, if the court is not a
court of record, a copy of the clerk's record to the county court or
county court at law to which the appeal is made. If the appeal is
made from a court of record, the court may deliver audio recordings
of the proceedings instead of a transcript. The cost to produce the
transcript, audio recording, or clerk's record shall be paid by the
appellant. Not later than the 10th calendar day after the date the
county court or county court at law, as appropriate, receives the
transcript, audio recording, or clerk's record, the court shall
dispose of the appeal. The decision of the county court or county
court at law under this section is final and may not be further
appealed.
SECTION 5. Subchapter B, Chapter 821, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 821.026 to read as follows:
Sec. 821.026. CONFLICT OF LAWS. In the event of a conflict
between this subchapter and another provision of any other law
relating to an appeal of a disposition regarding a cruelly treated
animal, including the bond required for that appeal, this
subchapter controls.
SECTION 6. The change in law made by this Act applies only
to a proceeding commenced under Section 821.023, Health and Safety
Code, on or after the effective date of this Act. A proceeding
commenced before the effective date of this Act is covered by the
law in effect at the time the proceeding is commenced, and the
former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 7. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.

HB 1451:82R8124 MAW-F
By: Thompson H.B. No. 1451

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the licensing and regulation of commercial dog and cat
breeders; providing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Title 4, Occupations Code, is
amended to read as follows:
TITLE 4. PROFESSIONS RELATED TO ANIMALS [ANIMAL HEALTH]
SECTION 2. Title 4, Occupations Code, is amended by adding
Chapter 802 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 802. COMMERCIAL DOG AND CAT BREEDERS
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 802.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the
Commercial Dog and Cat Breeders Act.
Sec. 802.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Adult animal" means an animal six months of age or
older.
(2) "Animal" means a dog or a cat.
(3) "Cat" means a mammal that is wholly or partly of
the species Felis domesticus.
(4) "Commercial breeder" means a person who possesses
11 or more adult intact female animals and is engaged in the
business of breeding animals for direct or indirect sale or for
exchange in return for consideration.
(5) "Commission" means the Texas Commission of
Licensing and Regulation.
(6) "Controlling person" means an individual who:
(A) is a partner, manager, director, officer, or
member of a commercial breeder;
(B) possesses the authority to set policy or
direct management of a commercial breeder; or
(C) possesses a direct or indirect control of 25
percent or more of a commercial breeder.
(7) "Department" means the Texas Department of
Licensing and Regulation.
(8) "Dog" means a mammal that is wholly or partly of
the species Canis familiaris.
(9) "Facility" means the premises used by a commercial
breeder for keeping or breeding animals. The term includes all
buildings, property, and confinement areas used to conduct the
commercial breeding business.
(10) "Federal regulations" means the specifications
for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of
dogs and cats set forth in 9 C.F.R. Part 3, Subpart A.
(11) "Intact female animal" means a female animal that
has not been spayed and is capable of reproduction.
(12) "Kitten" means a cat less than six months old.
(13) "Local animal control agency" means a municipal
or county animal control office with authority over the premises in
which an animal is kept or, in an area that does not have an animal
control office, the county sheriff.
(14) "Possess" means to have custody of or control
over.
(15) "Primary enclosure" means any structure used to
restrict an animal to a limited amount of space. The term includes
a room, pen, run, cage, or compartment.
(16) "Puppy" means a dog less than six months old.
(17) "Third-party inspector" means any of the
following entities with which the department contracts under
Section 802.062, including an employee of the entity:
(A) a state agency;
(B) a local law enforcement agency or fire
department; or
(C) a local animal control agency.
(18) "Veterinarian" means a veterinarian in good
standing and licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this
state.
Sec. 802.003. APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER. (a) This chapter
does not affect the applicability of any other law, rule, order,
ordinance, or other legal requirement of the federal government,
this state, or a political subdivision of this state.
(b) This chapter does not prevent a municipality or county
from prohibiting or further regulating by order or ordinance the
possession, breeding, or selling of dogs or cats.
(c) This chapter does not apply to an animal regulated under
the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).
[Sections 802.004-802.050 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER B. POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSION AND DEPARTMENT
Sec. 802.051. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES; RULES. (a) The
department shall administer and enforce this chapter.
(b) The commission shall adopt rules necessary to
administer and enforce this chapter.
Sec. 802.052. FEES. The commission by rule shall establish
reasonable and necessary fees in amounts sufficient to cover the
costs of administering and enforcing this chapter. In setting the
fee for inspecting or licensing a facility, the commission may
consider the number of adult intact female animals at the facility.
Sec. 802.053. PERSONNEL. The department may employ
personnel necessary to carry out the functions and duties of the
department under this chapter.
Sec. 802.054. EXPENSES. The department may authorize
disbursements necessary to implement this chapter, including
disbursements for office expenses, equipment costs, and other
necessary facilities.
Sec. 802.055. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS. The department
shall conduct a criminal background check on each applicant who
submits an application for a license under this chapter and on any
controlling person of the applicant. The department may, as
permitted by law:
(1) examine any criminal conviction, guilty plea, or
deferred adjudication of the applicant or controlling person; and
(2) obtain any criminal history or record of the
applicant or controlling person.
Sec. 802.056. DIRECTORY. (a) The department shall
maintain a directory of commercial breeders licensed, and
third-party inspectors registered, under this chapter.
(b) The department shall make the directory available to the
public.
Sec. 802.057. DISCIPLINARY DATABASE. (a) The department
shall maintain a database of commercial breeders who have been
subject to disciplinary action as provided by Subchapter F.
(b) The department shall make the information maintained in
the database available to the public.
Sec. 802.058. CONSUMER INTEREST INFORMATION. (a) The
department shall prepare information of consumer interest
describing:
(1) the functions performed by the department under
this chapter; and
(2) the rights of a consumer affected by this chapter.
(b) The information must describe the procedure by which a
consumer complaint is filed with and resolved by the department.
(c) The department shall make the information available to
the public.
Sec. 802.059. COMMERCIAL BREEDER TRAINING AND ENFORCEMENT
ACCOUNT. (a) The commercial breeder training and enforcement
account is an account in the general revenue fund. Administrative
penalties collected under Subchapter F shall be deposited to the
credit of the account.
(b) Funds in the account may be appropriated only to the
department for:
(1) promoting consumer awareness of this chapter and
rules adopted under this chapter;
(2) supporting educational seminars, training
activities, or other projects designed to benefit the department's
ability to administer this chapter;
(3) paying for information resulting in disciplinary
action against a person under Subchapter F; and
(4) taking any other action to improve the
department's ability to investigate violations of and enforce this
chapter.
(c) The commission by rule may provide for a system to pay
for information resulting in disciplinary action against a person
under Subchapter F. Rules adopted under this subsection must
ensure that a public purpose is accomplished through the use of the
payment system.
(d) The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and
other donations from any source for deposit into the account.
(e) The account is exempt from the application of Section
403.095, Government Code.
Sec. 802.060. REGULATION OF THIRD-PARTY INSPECTORS. The
commission by rule may establish:
(1) training requirements for a third-party
inspector;
(2) registration procedures for a third-party
inspector; and
(3) policies governing the acts of a third-party
inspector in conducting an inspection or investigation.
Sec. 802.061. REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF
COMMERCIAL BREEDERS. The commission by rule may establish
registration procedures for any person whose duties and
responsibilities include the handling of or caring for an animal in
a commercial breeder's facility.
Sec. 802.062. CONTRACTS FOR ENFORCEMENT. The department
may contract with a third-party inspector to enforce or assist in
the enforcement of this chapter and rules adopted under this
chapter, including the performance of inspections and
investigations required under this chapter.
Sec. 802.063. INSPECTIONS. (a) The department shall
inspect each facility of a licensed commercial breeder at least
once in every 12-month period and at other times as necessary to
ensure compliance with this chapter and rules adopted under this
chapter.
(b) The inspection must be conducted during the facility's
normal business hours, and the commercial breeder or a
representative of the commercial breeder may be present during the
inspection.
(c) The department or third-party inspector may not provide
advance notice to the commercial breeder or a representative of the
commercial breeder before arriving at the facility. The commercial
breeder or its representative shall, on request of an inspector,
assist the inspector in performing the inspection.
(d) In conducting an inspection under this section, an
inspector may not enter or access any portion of a private residence
of a commercial breeder except as necessary to access animals,
documents, records, or other property relevant to the inspection.
(e) The inspector shall submit an inspection report to the
department not later than the 10th day after the date of the
inspection on a form prescribed by the department and provide a copy
of the report to the commercial breeder or its representative.
Sec. 802.064. INVESTIGATIONS. On receipt of a complaint
alleging a violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this
chapter, the department or a third-party inspector designated by
the department shall investigate the alleged violation.
Sec. 802.065. REPORTING ANIMAL CRUELTY. A person
conducting an inspection under Section 802.063 or 802.103 or an
investigation under Section 802.064 shall notify the appropriate
local law enforcement agency or local animal control agency not
later than 24 hours after discovering evidence of animal cruelty or
neglect during the inspection or investigation.
[Sections 802.066-802.100 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER C. LICENSING OF COMMERCIAL BREEDERS
Sec. 802.101. LICENSE REQUIRED. (a) A person may not act
as, offer to act as, or represent that the person is a commercial
breeder in this state unless the person holds a commercial breeder
license under this chapter for each facility that the person owns or
operates in this state. A commercial breeder license for a single
facility may cover more than one building on the same premises.
(b) The commission by rule may establish requirements for
issuance or renewal of a commercial breeder license under this
chapter.
Sec. 802.102. APPLICATION. An applicant for a license
under this chapter must:
(1) submit to the department a completed application
on a form prescribed by the department;
(2) submit to the department the number of the
applicant's sales tax permit issued by the comptroller;
(3) submit to the department any other information
regarding the applicant's facilities and operations requested by
the department;
(4) demonstrate that the applicant has satisfied the
requirements of this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter;
and
(5) pay to the department the required fee.
Sec. 802.103. PRELICENSE INSPECTION. (a) Except as
provided by Subsection (e), the department must inspect a facility
before a commercial breeder license is issued for the facility.
(b) The department may not issue a commercial breeder
license until the department receives a prelicense inspection
report from the inspector in a format approved by the department
certifying that the facility meets the requirements of this chapter
and rules adopted under this chapter.
(c) Before the prelicense inspection may be conducted, each
applicant must pay to the department the required inspection fee to
be used to pay third-party inspectors and the reasonable expenses
of the department related to its licensing and inspection duties
under this chapter.
(d) An applicant whose facility does not meet the
requirements of this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter
as revealed by a prelicense inspection may, after correcting
deficiencies noted in the inspection report, request another
prelicense inspection by paying the required fee to the department.
(e) The department may not require a prelicense inspection
of a facility for an applicant who:
(1) holds a current Class A animal dealers license
issued under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. Section 2131 et seq.);
and
(2) submits to the department:
(A) a copy of the license; and
(B) on a form prescribed by the department, a
statement certifying that the facility meets the requirements of
this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter.
Sec. 802.104. INITIAL LICENSE. The department shall issue
a commercial breeder license to each person who:
(1) meets the requirements of this chapter and rules
adopted under this chapter;
(2) applies to the department on the form prescribed
by the department; and
(3) pays the required fee.
Sec. 802.105. TERM; NONTRANSFERABILITY. A license issued
under this chapter is valid until the first anniversary of the date
of issuance and is nontransferable. The department shall include
the expiration date on each license issued under this chapter.
Sec. 802.106. LICENSE RENEWAL. (a) A license holder may
renew the person's license by:
(1) submitting a renewal application to the department
on the form prescribed by the department;
(2) complying with any other renewal requirements
adopted by the department; and
(3) paying the required fee.
(b) A person whose license has expired may not engage in
activities that require a license until the license has been
renewed.
(c) The department may not renew the license of a person if
the person is in violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under
this chapter at the time of renewal.
Sec. 802.107. LICENSE DENIAL, REVOCATION, AND SUSPENSION.
(a) The department shall deny issuance of a license to, or refuse
to renew the license of, a person if the person or a controlling
person of the commercial breeder has pled guilty to, been convicted
of, or received deferred adjudication for animal cruelty or neglect
in this state or any other jurisdiction in the five years preceding
the person's initial or renewal application for a commercial
breeder license.
(b) The department shall revoke a license if, after the
license is issued, the person or a controlling person of the
commercial breeder pleads guilty to, is convicted of, or receives
deferred adjudication for animal cruelty or neglect in this state
or any other jurisdiction.
(c) The department may deny issuance of a license to, refuse
to renew the license of, or revoke or suspend a license held by a
person who:
(1) fails to meet the requirements of this chapter and
rules adopted under this chapter;
(2) has had a similar license issued by a federal,
state, or local authority denied, revoked, or suspended;
(3) has falsified any material information requested
by the department;
(4) has failed to meet a standard adopted by rule under
this chapter; or
(5) has failed to comply with any corrective action
required under an inspection report in the time provided by the
report.
[Sections 802.108-802.150 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER D. PRACTICE BY LICENSE HOLDER
Sec. 802.151. DISPLAY OF LICENSE; APPLICABLE LAWS AND
RULES; INCLUSION OF LICENSE NUMBER AND DEPARTMENT INFORMATION. A
commercial breeder shall:
(1) prominently display a copy of the commercial
breeder license at the breeder's facility;
(2) maintain at the breeder's facility a printed copy
of this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter as made
available by the department;
(3) include the commercial breeder's license number in
each advertisement of the commercial breeder; and
(4) include in each contract for the sale or transfer
of an animal by the commercial breeder:
(A) the commercial breeder's license number; and
(B) the following statement: "Commercial
breeders are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711, 1-800-803-9202,
512-463-6599, http://www.license.state.tx.us" or a similar statement
adopted by commission rule that includes the department's name,
mailing address, telephone numbers, and Internet website address.
Sec. 802.152. CHANGE IN LICENSE INFORMATION. A commercial
breeder shall notify the department in a manner prescribed by the
department not later than the 10th day after the date any change
occurs in the address, name, management, or controlling person of
the business or operation.
Sec. 802.153. SALES TAX ACCOUNTING; ANNUAL INVENTORY. (a)
Not later than February 1 of each year, a commercial breeder shall
submit to the department:
(1) a copy of its sales tax report filed with the
comptroller for the preceding calendar year; and
(2) on a form prescribed by the department, an
accounting of all animals held at the facility at any time during
the preceding calendar year.
(b) The commercial breeder shall keep copies of the items
described by Subsection (a) at the commercial breeder's facility
and shall make them available on request to the department or a
third-party inspector designated by the department.
(c) A commercial breeder that has more than one facility
shall:
(1) keep separate records for each facility;
(2) submit a copy of each sales tax report filed with
the comptroller by the commercial breeder; and
(3) submit a separate accounting of animals for each
facility.
Sec. 802.154. ANIMAL RECORDS. (a) A commercial breeder
shall maintain a separate record for each animal in the commercial
breeder's facility documenting the animal's care.
(b) The record must include:
(1) the date the animal entered the facility;
(2) the name, address, and telephone number of the
person from whom the animal was purchased or obtained;
(3) a description of the animal, including the
animal's breed, sex, color, identifying marks, and weight;
(4) the date of birth of the animal or approximate age
if the date of birth is unknown;
(5) any tattoo, microchip, or other identification
number carried by or appearing on the animal;
(6) if the animal is a breeding female:
(A) breeding dates;
(B) dates the animal gave birth to a litter;
(C) number of puppies or kittens for each litter
of the animal; and
(D) the name and identification of the sire or
tom for each litter;
(7) all veterinary care provided for the animal,
including a record of all inoculations, medications, and other
veterinary medical treatment received by the animal while in the
possession of the commercial breeder; and
(8) for an animal that was at the facility but is no
longer at the facility:
(A) the date of disposition or death of the
animal; and
(B) as applicable:
(i) the name and address of the person to
whom the animal was transferred; or
(ii) the animal's cause of death.
(c) The commercial breeder shall make the animal records
available on request to the department or a third-party inspector
designated by the department.
(d) The commission by rule shall establish the retention
period for records required under this section.
Sec. 802.155. LIMIT ON NUMBER OF ADULT INTACT FEMALE
ANIMALS. (a) Except as provided by this section, a commercial
breeder may not possess more than 50 adult intact female animals in
a facility at any time.
(b) The department may permit a commercial breeder to
possess more than 50 adult intact female animals in the breeder's
facility if:
(1) the commercial breeder submits an application
under this subsection on a form prescribed by the department; and
(2) the department determines that the commercial
breeder is adequately staffed and able to meet the requirements of
this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter while housing
and caring for the additional adult intact female animals and their
litters.
(c) The department may:
(1) establish additional requirements for a
commercial breeder possessing more than 50 adult intact female
animals in a facility to ensure the proper housing and care of the
animals at the facility; and
(2) charge additional fees for licensing and
inspecting a facility in which more than 50 adult intact female
animals are kept.
(d) The department may revoke permission granted under this
section if a commercial breeder fails to meet the requirements of
this chapter, the rules adopted under this chapter, or any
additional requirement set by the department under this section.
[Sections 802.156-802.200 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER E. STANDARDS OF CARE AND CONFINEMENT
Sec. 802.201. ADOPTION OF STANDARDS. (a) The commission
shall adopt rules establishing minimum standards for the humane
handling, care, and transportation of dogs and cats by a commercial
breeder to ensure the overall health, safety, and well-being of
each animal in the commercial breeder's possession.
(b) The standards adopted under this section must:
(1) meet or exceed federal regulations;
(2) require that, unless otherwise certified by a
veterinarian in the manner prescribed by the department, a
commercial breeder provide each dog 12 weeks of age and older with
at least one hour of daily exercise in an area that:
(A) has a solid, level surface with adequate
drainage;
(B) provides adequate protection against harsh
weather, including exposure to the sun; and
(C) has at least three times more square feet
than the dog's primary enclosure;
(3) require that each adult intact female animal be
provided with adequate rest between breeding cycles;
(4) require that a commercial breeder provide basic
grooming to each animal, including bathing and nail trimming, as
needed to prevent any condition that adversely affects the animal's
health and cleanliness;
(5) require all primary enclosures to have a solid
floor surface with not more than 50 percent of the floor composed of
a solid slatted surface;
(6) prohibit the placement of a primary enclosure of a
dog on top of another primary enclosure of a dog;
(7) prohibit the placement of a primary enclosure of a
cat on top of another primary enclosure of a cat, unless an
impervious barrier is placed between the enclosures;
(8) require at least one regular veterinary
examination a year for a breeding animal;
(9) ensure that necessary routine and preventive
veterinary care is provided to each animal by a veterinarian to
address any disease or illness, including immunization and
treatment of animals for disease, parasites, and pest control;
(10) prohibit a person from euthanizing an animal or
performing a surgical birth of an animal unless the person is a
veterinarian;
(11) for any person whose duties and responsibilities
include the handling of or caring for an animal in a commercial
breeder's facility, require:
(A) compliance with the criminal background
check requirements of Section 802.055; and
(B) appropriate training; and
(12) prohibit a commercial breeder from selling,
trading, or giving away an animal before the animal is eight weeks
of age.
(c) The commission by rule may modify existing standards and
establish additional standards or requirements as necessary to
protect or improve the health and well-being of animals or to
protect the health and safety of the public.
[Sections 802.202-802.250 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER F. ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 802.251. DISCIPLINARY ACTION; ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY.
If a person violates this chapter or a rule adopted under this
chapter, the person is subject to any action or penalty under
Subchapter F or G, Chapter 51.
SECTION 3. Not later than March 31, 2012, the Texas
Commission of Licensing and Regulation shall adopt the rules,
standards, procedures, and fees necessary to implement Chapter 802,
Occupations Code, as added by this Act, and Section 4 of this Act.
SECTION 4. Notwithstanding Chapter 802, Occupations Code,
as added by this Act, a commercial breeder is not required to:
(1) hold a license under that chapter to act as a
commercial breeder before September 1, 2012; or
(2) comply with the standards adopted under Subchapter
E, Chapter 802, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, before
September 1, 2012.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2011.

Keep up the Good work folks, YOUR voices, letters, faxes are being heard! Follow Up with Your Reps. and let them know You are still paying attention and awaiting!

The politicians are taking notice BECAUSE ALL OF YOU HAVE SPOKEN, but its not over, and this has pass through the house and then onto Senate after that!

Everyone has done an AWESOME job contacting their State Representatives!!  LSWDA wants to THANK YOU for that!!  BUT that is just half the battle!!  

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SENATORS BY FAX, SNAIL MAIL, PHONE, AND EMAIL!!!  WE NEED THEM TO SUPPORT THIS BILL ALSO!!!

Remember this bill will help keep our working dogs from falling under bills/laws like HB 998 and HB 1451!!!  

Hey everyone!!!

Check out HB 2833!!  We all might want to watch this one!!!  Representative James White filed it today!!

Progress!!!!

You said it Ninja!!  There IS strength in numbers!!  The Falzone/LSWDA Working Dog Preservation Bill is now HB 2833!!

NOW we need to get to work on our Senators!!!  Make their phones and faxes ring!!!

HB 2833
FRIENDS THis is Awesome news! Our Voices have been heard, and we now have an actuall BILL before legislation, THANKS TO YOU ALL WHO HAVE HELPED get HB 2833 to where it is now!

Lonestar Working Dog Association has also retained a lobbyist also supporting this, anybody want to help make donations to the lobbying of this bill can be done at www.lswda.org
for updates and responses from the lobbyist can be veiwed on the forum at http://lswda.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=18

Next Step is to keep at it and contact Your Senators and get this in the Senate as well!

Permission to Cross Post Granted!

Let's keep it up folks, our voices are being heard.