Bill > HB870

This bill amends the Texas Business and Commerce Code by adding Chapter 206, which regulates the sale of dogs and cats by pet stores. The key provisions are: 1) Pet stores can only sell dogs or cats obtained from animal control agencies, animal shelters, or animal rescue organizations, and not directly from breeders or sellers. 2) Pet stores must maintain records documenting the source of each dog or cat they sell for at least one year and make those records available for inspection. 3) Pet stores must publicly post the source of each dog or cat available for sale. 4) Pet stores that violate the law can be subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 per violation, which can be enforced by the state attorney general. The bill applies only to dogs and cats obtained by pet stores on or after the effective date of September 1, 2023.