Question
Who can come help me to file a petition so my neighbor can be banned from owning dogs in Texas?
Answer
People who believe that an animal is being mistreated should contact the police, SPCA (society for the prevention of cruelty to animals), animal control, and other entities in their area that enforce animal cruelty laws. If the officers determine that an animal is being mistreated, the animal may be seized. The alleged perpetrator may forfeit rights to the animal depending on the outcome of the case. Some states have laws which allow the court to also order that the person convicted of violating the animal cruelty law may not have any animal for a period of time set by the court. I am not aware of such a law in Texas. You may wish to speak with your state legislators to suggest that legislation be introduced to address this issue, if no such law exists in your area.
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