Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN)

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Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN)

The ONLY organization in Texas that dedicates 100% to passing bills that will protect Texas animals.
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We are a statewide 501c4 organization advocating for the humane treatment of animals through legislation, education and advocacy. We work with citizen lobbyists to effect positive change for animals in our state. Community Posting Guidelines
We hope you'll find the Texas Humane Legislation Network’s (THLN) official page to be a useful source of updates and information on the policy issues

we cover with respect to the humane treatment of animals in Texas. While we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on the page, please note that all comments are subject to removal. We reserve the right to remove comments that:

• are injurious, defamatory, profane, off-topic or inappropriate;
• contain personal attacks or racist, sexist, homophobic, or other slurs;
• solicit and/or advertise for personal blogs and websites or to sell products or services;
• may infringe the copyright or intellectual property rights of others or other applicable laws or regulations; or
• are otherwise inconsistent with the goals of this page. Violations of this comment policy may result in the deletion of comments, and repeated violations may cause the author to be blocked from the THLN page. Disclaimer: Posted comments and images by third parties do not necessarily represent the views of THLN. External, non-THLN links on this page do not constitute an official endorsement of THLN. Keep commenting, and thanks for joining the conversation about important animal welfare policy issues.

06/03/2026

In 2021, THLN helped pass , which requires animal control agencies and animal welfare organizations to scan pets for microchips. If a microchip is found, the registered owner is contacted promptly to facilitate the pet’s return.

This law does the following:
✅ Keeps families together
✅ Saves taxpayers' money
✅ Helps avoid the stress that both pets and their people feel when separated

Research shows that scanning a lost pet promptly at the location where they were found increases the likelihood they will be reunited with their family.

The Mandatory Microchip Scanning law benefits both pets and their families.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4nQfbLC

05/28/2026

Texas animal shelters operate at or near full capacity daily. As the pet population rises, it's essential we come together to address this issue and find solutions.

Currently, many retail pet stores source their puppies and kittens from unscrupulous, out-of-state puppy mills.

One powerful step forward is reducing the flood of puppies and kittens shipped into our state for retail sale. Better yet, to stop selling out-of-state animals in pet stores entirely and open those spaces to shelter pets and nonprofit rescues who are desperately waiting for homes.

Every post you share, every conversation you start, every time you choose to learn, you’re building the momentum in Texas and participating in this important change.

Sign up for our Action Alerts and join the movement at the State Capitol: https://bit.ly/49Xdeaw

05/20/2026

May is National Pet Month, and at the Texas Humane Legislation Network, we’re celebrating the animals who inspire everything we do! 🐾

Our pets are family. They bring us companionship and endless joy, and they deserve laws that reflect just how much they matter. That’s why THLN works year-round to pass meaningful, humane legislation that protects animals across Texas.

This month, we’re celebrating the pets who make our lives better, and the ongoing work to create a more humane future for Texas animals.

Now we want to see your pets! ⬇️

Share a photo in the comments and tell us their name. We can’t wait to meet them! 🐶🐱🐾

05/14/2026

🐾 North Texas Gives to Animals officially starts TODAY! 🐾

North Texas Giving Day launches its North Texas Gives to Animals campaign today through May 31st! This campaign supports organizations working to improve the lives of animals through education, outreach, rescue, and community programs across the region.

This year, Texas Humane Network is proud to participate, and we hope you will support our work!

As a small-staffed nonprofit organization, every donation directly impacts our ability to continue educating communities and professionals on animal welfare issues throughout Texas.

Texas Humane Network focuses on improving the lives of animals through greater awareness and understanding of animal welfare laws and humane practices.

Your support helps us:
✔ Provide educational resources on animal welfare and cruelty prevention
✔ Continue outreach efforts that strengthen understanding of existing animal protection laws
✔ Support training opportunities for law enforcement officers, animal control officers, and other professionals who may encounter animal cruelty situations
✔ Expand community education efforts that help create safer outcomes for animals

Over the years, Texas Humane Network has helped support educational trainings for law enforcement officers focused on recognizing red flags of possible animal cruelty, understanding proper response procedures, and improving awareness surrounding animal welfare protections. With community support, we hope to continue and expand these educational efforts.

For a small organization like ours, donations truly make a difference. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue this important work.

Thank you for believing in education, prevention, and a more humane future for animals!

Donate HERE: https://bit.ly/4nnuJpT

North Texas Giving Day

05/13/2026

The Texas Humane Legislation Network team is thrilled to welcome Kolby Monnig as our new Senior Director of Government Relations!

Kolby brings more than a decade of experience in government relations and public policy, with a strong track record of advancing legislative priorities and leading impactful advocacy efforts across Texas and beyond. Her work, from statewide leadership roles to advancing federal policy, reflects a strategic, thoughtful approach to driving meaningful change.

In this role, Kolby will lead THLN’s legislative strategy and ex*****on, helping drive forward policies that protect animals and strengthen our mission across the state.

Beyond her impressive professional background, Kolby has a huge heart for animal welfare. She has two pups of her own, Puddles and Ziggy.

We are so excited to have Kolby on board and can’t wait for you to meet her!

05/11/2026

Save the date! Something exciting is coming. 🐾

North Texas Giving Day launches its North Texas Gives to Animals campaign on Thursday, May 14, and Texas Humane Network is proud to participate! This regional campaign supports organizations working to improve the lives of animals across North Texas.

As a small nonprofit organization focused on education, training, and outreach, every donation helps us continue expanding programs that strengthen understanding of animal welfare issues and animal protection laws.

From educational resources to law enforcement training opportunities, your support helps us continue creating safer and more humane outcomes for animals through awareness and education.

Plus, the first $100,000 in online donations during the campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar thanks to The Gigi Gartner Charitable Foundation Fund and Communities Foundation of Texas, helping your support go even further for animals!

We hope you’ll join us from May 14 through the 31st!

05/08/2026

Today, National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, highlights the importance of ensuring that emergency planning includes pets.

THLN was proud to help pass Simba’s Law, which requires the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to assist local jurisdictions in planning for and addressing the needs of household pets and service animals during disasters.

We’ve seen firsthand why this is so important. During Hurricane Harvey, many families were forced to make difficult decisions. They had to choose between leaving their pets behind, or refusing to evacuate and staying with them, putting their own lives at risk. These situations showed clear gaps in emergency preparedness.

Simba’s Law was an important step, but there is still more work to be done to ensure that communities across Texas are fully equipped to protect both people and their animals during disasters.

This is an issue THLN cares deeply about, and we will continue working towards stronger, more effective preparedness statewide so that when the next disaster strikes, Texans and their pets are not left behind.

05/06/2026

Puppy Mill Action Week is a time to recognize the hidden cruelty behind retail pet stores and the urgent need for change.

Puppy mills are large-scale breeding operations that put profit above animal welfare. Through the “puppy mill pipeline,” puppies are shipped into Texas and sold in retail pet stores, often masking their true origins. Many arrive with untreated illnesses or congenital health issues due to poor breeding conditions, leaving families with emotional and financial burdens.

THLN has spent years working to break this cycle. We’ve helped pass bills to implement the Licensed Breeders Program and the Dog and Cat Breeder Act, strengthening oversight and promoting responsible breeding across our state.

Still, our work isn’t done.

For three legislative sessions, we’ve fought for the Ethical Pet Sales Bill. This legislation is designed to stop the cruel pipeline by ending the retail sale of dogs and cats sourced from large-scale commercial breeders. This is a common-sense step toward protecting animals and Texas consumers.

By supporting responsible sources and advocating for statewide action, we help fix a system that has prioritized profit over animal welfare for decades.

We’re in this for the long haul, and we hope you are too!

04/30/2026

April 30th is Adopt a Shelter Pet Day—reminding us that some of the best companions are waiting in shelters and rescues. In 2025, approximately 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters across the United States, each hoping to find a family to call their own.

Across Texas, hundreds of shelters and rescue partners have wonderful pets waiting for their chance at a forever home. If you’ve been thinking about adding a new furry friend to your family, please consider adoption. When you adopt one animal, you’re not only saving that life, but also creating space and opportunity for the next animal who takes their place.

The bond we share with animals is truly unique. They bring joy to everyday life and unwavering loyalty when we need it most. Somewhere nearby, your next best friend may be waiting for you. Please consider adoption! 🤍

04/27/2026

THLN was proud to participate in this year’s Texas Unites for Animals Conference, an annual gathering that brings together animal welfare professionals and advocates from across the state to exchange ideas and strengthen lifesaving efforts.

Our Executive Director, Mia Bendixsen, and Volunteer & Outreach Manager, Blair Stirek, were pleased to represent THLN and connect with dedicated individuals working to improve animal welfare in Texas.
Ashley Morgan, of our Board of Directors, presented Saturday afternoon to an enthusiastic group about the legal pitfalls for animal rescue organizations.

A special thank you to our incredible volunteers, Clay, Genevieve, Lauren, Jill, and Jorge, for their outstanding support and dedication.

At THLN, we believe meaningful progress occurs when people unite with a shared purpose. We appreciate the opportunity to build new relationships and bring new ideas to our ongoing efforts to protect Texas animals. 🐾

Address

P. O. Box 685283
Austin, TX
78768

Telephone

+18885486263

Website

http://www.thln.org/

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