Texas Penal Code
§ 42.092 — CRUELTY TO NONLIVESTOCK ANIMALS
PE § 42.092Title 9. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY · Ch. 42. DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND RELATED OFFENSES
Statute text
View on source(a)In this section:
(1)"Abandon" includes abandoning an animal in the person's custody without making reasonable arrangements for assumption of custody by another person.
(2)"Animal" means a domesticated living creature, including any stray or feral cat or dog, and a wild living creature previously captured. The term does not include an uncaptured wild living creature or a livestock animal.
(3)"Cruel manner" includes a manner that causes or permits unjustified or unwarranted pain or suffering.
(4)"Custody" includes responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of an animal subject to the person's care and control, regardless of ownership of the animal.
(5)"Depredation" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.001, Parks and Wildlife Code.
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Legislative history
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 576 (S.B. 762), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 739 (S.B. 1232), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2017. Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 537 (H.B. 3660), Sec. 1, eff. June 10, 2023. Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 537 (H.B. 3660), Sec. 2, eff. June 10, 2023. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 342 (H.B. 285), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.