Senator aims to provide better shelter for dogs with SB 5

HARLINGEN, TX (ValleyCentral) – The Rio Grande Valley is no stranger to extreme heat and it can be a hazard to dogs that are kept outside. Senate Bill 5 seeks to improve laws to better protect dogs across Texas.

Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. is the author of Senate Bill 5. A previous version of the bill was vetoed by Governor Gregg Abbott in June. But Senator Lucio is still trying to get this bill passed. SB 5 would describe and clarify the laws that make illegal restraining of dogs a criminal offense.

The Palm Valley Animal Society has said dogs left outside in the heat can cause serious health problems.

“[Dogs] have skin spots that are missing because the heat is so bad that they’ll chew their skin and do things like that, because of the stress and trauma they go through in the heat with no water, no shadow, ”Julian Whitacre said a spokesperson for PVAS.

Senate Bill 5 would improve the rules listed in the state’s animal health and safety code. Some of these rules include providing the dogs with shelter from extreme weather conditions, a tight-fitting collar, and allowing water to drink.

Although there are laws that prohibit people from restraining dogs outside. Harlingen Humane Society director Luis Quintanilla said the shelter always sees animals left outside.

“This is something that we come across all the time where we bring them into our facility every day and they come in all kinds of conditions, so I think anything that might help preserve their health while they are in the community. I think it’s a good thing to achieve.

So far, Senate Bill 5 has passed the Senate and is awaiting full House approval before going to Abbott’s office.

Animal shelters in the valley are hoping this bill can become law so more people can better understand the importance of caring for animals outside.

“Leaving an animal outside in the heat is dangerous and considered animal abuse so I think it’s good for the community because it lets them know it’s not right,” Whitacre said. “You have to give them some of these basic necessities and if you don’t, there could be consequences. “

To view the full text of Senate Bill 5, click here.