The mistreatment of animals is always a concern for the Houston SPCA, but April is Animal Cruelty Awareness Month and we believe it is important to remind you that many animals are mistreated every day. Sadly, the number of reported cases of animal abuse is rising steadily and it will take all of us working together to reverse the trend. Because these innocent animals are helpless in their suffering, we must serve as their voice in their time of greatest need.

If we don't, who will?

The first and most vital step toward our goal of stopping and preventing abuse is to know exactly what animal cruelty is and when to report it. The following is a list guidelines for spotting animal cruelty, as defined by Texas state law.

SEC. 42.09. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly :
Tortures or seriously overworks an animal
Fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, care or shelter for an animal in his custody
Abandons unreasonably an animal in his custody
Transports or confines an animal in a cruel manner
Kills, injures, or administers poison to an animal, belonging to another without legal authority or the owner's effective consent
Causes one animal to fight with another, or
Uses a live animal as a lure in dog race training or in dog coursing
If you see any of these things taking place, please report it immediately! The animals can't.

You can use this online form, or file a report over the phone @ 713.869.SPCA


Your Immediate Action Is Needed!
House Bill 2328 (Animal Cruelty Bill) will be voted on THIS WEEK!

The existing animal cruelty statute is antiquated and does not reflect the emotional bond most horse owners have with their horses today, nor the typical role that horses play in our lives. In today's culture, horses are often exposed to urban and suburban environments which in turn expose them to the same horrific acts of animal cruelty perpetrated on other companion animals such as dogs and cats.

By giving horses the same protection from violent acts of animal cruelty as we give our other companion animals, no horse owner will lose his or her agricultural property tax exemption or the right to administer drugs to his or her horse without a prescription.

Please call, fax, or as a last resort, email your state representative immediately and ask him or her to support HB 2328 and an amendment to HB 2328 to give horses the protection from violent acts of animal cruelty they need and deserve.

* * * Remember when contacting your state representative, always be respectful and polite. PLEASE ACT TODAY! * * *

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