This primer will help cruelty investigators and prosecutors in the enforcement of Chapter 821 of The Texas Health and Safety Code (civil law reference) and Section 42.09 of the Texas Penal Code. As you are aware, the Texas Legislature made certain aggravated acts of animal cruelty punishable as a state jail felony during the last session.

This handbook is an invaluable aid in the enforcement of these two valuable statues. THLN, which produced the handbook, will forward you a copy at no cost - just email us with your name and address. We have also included the entire primer for you to download.

The procedures document tells city and county animal control agencies how to seize an animal that is being abused or neglected and divesting the owner of that animal his ownership in the animal.

Click here to download "Primer" (PDF format)

Click here to download "Procedures" (PDF format)