Bill > HB2721

This bill amends the Texas Business & Commerce Code to add a new chapter regulating the sale of dogs and cats by pet stores. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. Defines key terms such as "animal control agency," "animal rescue organization," "animal shelter," "licensed breeder," and "pet store." 2. Prohibits pet stores from selling dogs or cats unless they obtained them from an animal control agency, animal shelter, animal rescue organization, or licensed breeder. 3. Requires pet stores to maintain records for at least one year documenting the source of each dog or cat in their possession and make those records available for inspection. 4. Requires pet stores to publicly post the name of the source from which they obtained each dog or cat available for sale. 5. Imposes a civil penalty of up to $500 per violation for pet stores that sell dogs or cats obtained from sources other than those specified in the bill. 6. Applies the new requirements only to dogs and cats obtained by pet stores on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2019.