79R2282 MSE-D
By: West S.B. No. 248
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to authorizing the use of approved nonsurgical methods to
sterilize dogs and cats.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 828.001(3), Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(3) "Sterilization" means the surgical removal of the
reproductive organs of a dog or cat or the use of nonsurgical
methods and technologies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration to permanently render the animal unable to
reproduce.
SECTION 2. Section 828.004(c), Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(c) A releasing agency may extend the deadline for 30 days
on presentation of a written report from a licensed veterinarian
stating that the life or health of the adopted animal may be
jeopardized by sterilization [surgery]. There is no limit on the
number of extensions that may be granted under this subsection.
SECTION 3. Chapter 828, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Section 828.0045 to read as follows:
Sec. 828.0045. NONSURGICAL STERILIZATION. A veterinarian
may use nonsurgical methods and technologies approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration for use by veterinarians to humanely
and permanently render a dog or cat unable to reproduce.
SECTION 4. Section 828.005(a), Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) Except as provided by Section 828.006 or 828.007, each
new owner who signs a sterilization agreement under Section 828.002
shall deliver to the releasing agency from which the animal was
adopted a letter signed by the veterinarian who performed the
sterilization [surgery].
SECTION 5. Section 828.012(a), Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) Surgery or nonsurgical sterilization performed in
accordance with this chapter must be performed by a veterinarian or
a full-time student of an accredited college of veterinary medicine
as provided by Chapter 801, Occupations Code.
SECTION 6. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2005.