from: thln.org
In the Republican Primary Runoff for Texas Attorney General, the two candidates are Representative Dan Branch from Dallas and Senator Ken Paxton from McKinney. The Texas Attorney General race is one of special importance to animal advocates since that office is responsible for interpreting and in some instances enforcing the animal welfare laws of Texas. For example, in 2002 it was then Attorney General John Cornyn who issued a landmark opinion confirming that Texas law prohibits the slaughter of horses for human consumption. Again in 2007, Attorney General Greg Abbott opined that it is illegal for foreign horse slaughter plants to transport their horsemeat through Texas. Thus, it is important to know the past voting records of these candidates on animal welfare issues.
Below are the records of both Branch and Paxton on important animal welfare bills.
Branch's Record
In 2007, Branch was the author of the Pet Evacuation Bill (HB 88) which requires that all companion and service animals be included in evacuation plans in the event of a natural disaster. Previously evacuees had to either abandon their pets or leave them at local emergency shelters during natural disasters.
In 2011, Branch co-authored the Puppy Mill Bill (HB 1451) which required commercial breeders of dogs and cats to be registered with and regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. It took two legislative sessions to pass this bill which was a major step in providing humane conditions and care for dogs and cats in breeding facilities.
In 2011, Branch voted for the Civil Seizure Bill (HB 963) which allows law enforcement and animal control officers to seize cruelly treated animals and remove them from their abusers.
Paxton's Record
In 2011, Paxton voted against the Puppy Mill Bill (HB 1451).
In 2011, Paxton voted against the Civil Seizure Bill (HB 963).
THE PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION WILL BE HELD MAY 27, 2014.EARLY VOTING COMMENCES MAY 19, 2014 AND ENDS MAY 23, 2014.
IF A VOTER DID NOT VOTE IN THE PRIMARY ELECTIONS, THE VOTER MAY STILL VOTE IN THE RUNOFF ELECTION. THIS RUNOFF ELECTION WILL BE VERY CLOSE AND EVERY VOTE WILL COUNT.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU VOTE AND ENCOURAGE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO DO THE SAME.
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