HOUSTON – Texas is taking a stand against the cruel practice of selling animals on the side of the road. Starting Sept. 1, new laws will empower counties around Harris County to shut down these roadside animal sales, a move advocates hope will protect animals and improve community safety.
Currently, Harris County bans roadside animal sales, but the practice often shifts just outside its borders. House bills 20-12 and 27-31 will extend the authority to surrounding counties, allowing them to enforce similar bans on open-air animal sales.
Sarah Mills, senior director at Houston PetSet, a nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness and suffering of companion animals, explains the problem. “The roadside sales just move right outside of the county to the county lines,” she says.
Mills highlights the impact on animal overpopulation. “It is so impactful on our animal overpopulation crisis,” she says. Unlike reputable breeders who limit litters, allow buyers to meet the parents, and often have return policies, roadside sales are “one and done.” Buyers often never see the puppy’s parents, and the animals are sold as impulse purchases, sometimes as young as six weeks old — far too young for adoption.
Mills shares a personal story about Rosie, her golden doodle. “Rosie was posted on Facebook for free to a loving home,” Mills says. Rosie was originally purchased from a backyard breeder on the side of the road by a family that quickly realized they were overwhelmed. Concerned she might end up in the wrong hands, Mills rescued Rosie, who is now part of her family.
Shelby Bobosky, executive director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, which promotes humane treatment of animals through legislation and advocacy, echoes the urgency. “We are in such an overpopulation crisis. This is one way to stop that drip, drip, drip and to really give our law enforcement tools on how to stop it,” Bobosky says.
Bobosky urges the public to take action if they encounter roadside animal sales. “Take pictures, make sure you get the license plate,” she advises. “Call 311 or 911 if they’re about to cause an accident. Report it and get your local city council member or commissioner involved. These tickets need to be enforced.”
If sales occur in parking lots, Bobosky recommends going inside the business, speaking with security, and informing them about the new law to help escort sellers off the property.
Enforcement remains a challenge because sellers move quickly. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office conducts stings and issues citations. Since banning roadside sales in 2007, the office has issued numerous citations. The hope is that with the new laws taking effect Sept. 1, surrounding counties will follow suit and help end this harmful practice.
The new legislation marks a significant step toward protecting animals from exploitation and reducing impulsive, unsafe sales. Communities around Harris County will soon have the tools to make their neighborhoods safer for both animals and residents.