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A feral cat in Hong Kong. Feral cats' environmental
impact are a concern to many.
(AP Photo/Vincent Yu)
A bill pending in the Texas Legislature is intended to control invasive species, but could result in dogs and cats being destroyed.
Senate Bill 691, introduced by Senator Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) establishes the Texas Invasive Species Coordinating Committee to coordinate governmental efforts to prevent and manage invasive species. There is no doubt that Texans need to become more aggressive in fighting and preventing invasive species, as we live daily with the harmful effects of fire ants and feral hogs.
The bill defines an "invasive species" as: "A species that is not native to an ecosystem and whose introduction to the ecosystem causes or is likely to cause economic harm, environmental harm, or harm to human health. Humans, domestic livestock, and non-harmful exotic organisms are not invasive species."
The animal welfare community is concerned that dogs and cats are not specifically excluded from the bill, and therefore could be impounded and killed. Feral cats are particularly vulnerable, as some push for destroying feral cat colonies while others advocate for controlling populations through trapping, neutering and releasing the cats. At the request of the Exotic Livestock Association, an additional exclusion has been added for exotic livestock, and dog and cat owners are lobbying for a similar exclusion.
Dog and cat owners are being asked to call and fax the members of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and ask that domestic pets including dogs and cats be included as exceptions to the Invasive Species Act.
Senator E-Mail (512) Phone/Fax
Craig Estes (Chair) craig.estates@senate.state.tx.us 463-0130/463-8874
Carlos Uresti (VC) carlos.uresti@senate.state.tx.us 463-0119/463-1017
Juan Hinojosa juan.hinojosa@senate.state.tx.us 463-0120/463-0229
Mike Jackson mike.jackson@senate.state.tx.us 463-0111/475-3727
Glenn Hegar** glenn.hegar@senate.state.tx.us 463-0118/475-3736
**Mr. Hegar is the bill sponsor
To read the full text of the bill, click here.
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