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    LegalEase Newsletter | FAQs by Subject

    News Article | October 20, 2025

    Animals

    LegalEase
    Legal Guidance

    “I’m so excited for the updated legal publications! I can’t wait for my new copies. Can I have a sneak peak of what’s changed regarding animal control?”

    What’s new in the Animal Control handbook?

    HB 285 amends Penal Code §42.092 to expand the offense of cruelty to non-livestock animals to include the culpable mental state of criminal negligence. It also creates a defense to prosecution if the alleged criminal negligence against a non-livestock animal occurred during the discharge of duties while employed as a veterinarian licensed under Ch. 801, Occupations Code, or as a person assisting the veterinarian. For more information, see our updated Animal Control handbook.