Texas HB4768 mandates responsible pet owner courses for defendants on community supervision for animal-related offenses.

Texas HB4768 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow judges to require defendants convicted of certain animal-related offenses to complete a responsible pet owner course. These courses must cover federal and state animal protection laws, animal care, animal bite prevention, and dog and cat breeder regulations. The courses can be either an online option approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or a local municipal animal shelter course. The law applies to defendants placed on community supervision on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025.

Texas HB4768 mandates responsible pet owner courses for defendants on community supervision for animal-related offenses.

Texas HB4768 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow judges to require defendants convicted of certain animal-related offenses to complete a responsible pet owner course. These courses must cover federal and state animal protection laws, animal care, animal bite prevention, and dog and cat breeder regulations. The courses can be either an online option approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or a local municipal animal shelter course. The law applies to defendants placed on community supervision on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025.