Texas Legislature appropriates funds for spay and neuter pilot program

Austin—In a historic win for animal welfare and public health, the Texas Legislature has appropriated $13 million over the next two years to launch a statewide pilot program aimed at reducing the population of unvaccinated, unsterilized dogs and cats. The program, to be administered by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), is designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as rabies, toxoplasmosis, and leptospirosis. The funding awaits final approval by Governor Greg Abbott.

“This is a crucial step forward in protecting both animals and people in Texas,” said Shelby Bobosky, executive director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN). “Shelters, veterinarians, and local communities have long struggled with limited resources to manage stray and feral animal populations. This funding is not only indispensable, but it also reflects a clear understanding by the Legislature that animal welfare is a vital part of our public health infrastructure. We’re incredibly grateful for their leadership.”

As a pilot program, DSHS will begin developing the rules and procedures necessary to implement the state-funded initiative over the coming months. THLN will be monitoring the development process and working to collect input from stakeholders statewide to help inform the agency’s implementation. In the weeks ahead, THLN will host conversations with animal shelters, veterinary professionals, rescue organizations, and local municipalities to aggregate feedback and identify needs that can be shared with DSHS as it prepares to launch the program.

 This pilot initiative builds on a recent legislation led by THLN: the passage of Senate Bill 1568, which enhances the Animal-Friendly License Plate Program, an existing funding mechanism for spay and neuter services. Signed into law by Governor Abbott in May, the new law authorizes the Department of State Health Services to create an additional specialty license plate to increase public participation and expand funding for local spay/neuter initiatives.

 “Together, these efforts reflect a growing momentum in Texas to tackle pet overpopulation and improve community health in a sustainable, humane, and cost-effective way,” Bobosky said. “THLN is committed to ensuring that this pilot program succeeds and will continue advocating for long-term solutions that support both people and animals.”

 SOURCE Texas Humane Legislation Network