Cruelty Laws

(A) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly:
       (1) tortures or seriously overworks an animal;
       (2) fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, SHELTER or care;
       (3) abandons unreasonably an animal in his custody;
       (4) transports or confines an animal in a cruel manner;
       (5) kills, injures, or administers poison to an animal belonging to
              another without legal authority or the owner's effective consent;
       (6) causes one animal to fight another;
       (7) uses a live animal as a lure in dog race training or in dog coursing;
       (8) horse tripping

AN OFFENSE UNDER THIS SECTION IS A CLASS A MISDEMEANOR
SEC. 12.21 CLASS A MISDEMEANOR

(A) Any individual adjudged guilty of a Class A misdemeanor shall be punished by:
       (1) a fine not to exceed $4,000.00;
       (2) confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year;
       (3) BOTH such fine and imprisonment.

Animal Cruelty Statute - Third Offense
An amendment to the Penal Code, provides a felony penalty for individuals convicted of animal abuse on a third offense.
As of September 1, 2001, people who are convicted of committing acts of cruelty or torture to animals can receive harsher punishment via the new bill: HB 653. Heinous crimes of cruelty towards animals can now be tried as a FELONY punishable by up to $10,000 in fines or 2 years in jail or BOTH. Under this new law, minors (under the age of 18) can be forced to undergo psychological counseling.

Studies have shown links between animal abuse and domestic violence.
Furthermore, those who torture animals are at much higher risk
for committing violent and deadly crimes against humans later in life.

REPORT CRUELTY TO ANIMALS !
You may call your local law enforcement agency OR
Call a local animal agency such as:
SPCA - Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at:
East Texas incluing the Houston area....
HSPCA Cruelty Page-Texas
(713)-869-7722 - Ask for Cruelty Investigations Department.
OR
HHS Cruelty Page-Texas

In North Texas:
SPCA of Texas - Dallas area (214)-651-9611 - Ask for Cruelty Investigations Department.

Make certain to have details including exact location of the animal.
Take PHOTOS if you can!