Houston's new animal ordinance will affect pets, owners, and pet stores

Houston - Stray dogs are a major concern in many Houston neighborhoods, said Sallie Alcorn, Houston City Council Member at Large Position 5. They are terrified to go outside and jog or do anything without a large stick.

Houston's animal overpopulation problem has been well documented. A unanimous Houston City Council ordinance should change that.These ordinances had not been revised in many years and were really outdated, said Tena

Lundquist Faust, co-president of Houston PetSet. We'll be doing free microchipping, Alcorn stated. I know some applications for federal aid are being made for those who cannot afford it.

If they're found on the street, they can be returned to their owner instead of going to one of the various shelters, Lundquist Faust said. This is excellent for pets, owners, the city, and everyone.

The new law also forbids city pet businesses from selling puppies from puppy factories. I believe five or six in Houston sell puppies from a shady puppy factory, Alcorn added.

To supply pet businesses, Lundquist Faust says importing animals from out of state is pointless. We still euthanize for space, and animals die on our streets every day.

City pet retailers must now sell pets from shelters and rescue groups. A new state legislation protecting tethered pets took effect on Tuesday.

We are changing the way animals are treated and viewed in Houston and Texas, Lundquist Faust stated. The legislation takes effect immediately, but pet owners and pet businesses have a year to comply.

Details Here