TITLE: Relating to a sterilization exemption for a dog or cat adopted from a releasing agency.

SUMMARY: Relating to a sterilization exemption for a dog or cat adopted from a releasing agency.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a sterilization exemption for a dog or cat adopted from a releasing agency. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 828.013, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 828.013. EXEMPTIONS. This chapter does not apply to: (1) a dog or cat that is claimed from a releasing agency by a person who already owns the animal; (2) subject to Subdivision (5), a releasing agency located in a municipality that has in effect an ordinance providing standards for dog and cat sterilization that exceed the requirements provided by this chapter; (3) an institution of higher education that purchases or otherwise procures a dog or cat for the purpose of biomedical research, testing, or teaching; [or] (4) a releasing agency located in: (A) a county with a population of 20,000 or less; or (B) a municipality with a population of 10,000 or less;or (5) a dog or cat scheduled for euthanasia by the releasing agency that a new owner adopts.SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.