This act s passed through the Texas house and squashed by the Governor. Sadly it was only a class 3 misdemeanor. But it is a start in protecting animals as well as giving the police a reason to act.

It provided for
1) Adequate shelter
2) An area that allows the dog to stay away from standing water, urine or feces or otherwise cause harm to the dog
3) Shade from direct sunlight
4) Potable water
The act goes on to say owners couldn’t use a chain to restrain the dog, or a tether that has weights attached or is shorter than 10 feet or five times the length of the dog measured from nose to tail. It also stipulates that the dog’s collar or harness “fit properly.”

Abbott said Texas’ statutes “already protect them by outlawing true animal cruelty.” (which as anyone knows is a joke as Texas has an abysmal record of animal cruelty.

“Texans love their dogs,” he said. “Senate Bill 474 would compel every dog owner, on pain of criminal penalties, to monitor things like the tailoring of the dog’s collar, the time the dog spends in the bed of a truck, and the ratio of tether-to-dog ratio.”

( oh my God the horror, and they have to have clean water.!!! Clearly this is crazy talk. How can any human be expected to make sure the dogs collar isn't growing into the dogs neck or that a 3 ft logging chain and no shade isn't really something they would inflict on a human without prison time) 

The bill passed the Senate 28-3 and the House 83-32.

Abbott has vetoed 20 bills so far this year. Micro managing? Really Governor??