I like to make sure that I’m passionate about my work and as a professional, it’s not advised to feel attached to every initiative. However, as a foster, and dad to 3 funny-looking rescues, this item I took on this with a dedicated passion.
During the 86th Texas legislative session, I led Houston PetSet, in partnership with the Texas Humane Legislation Network to create the Safe Outdoor Dog Act. A law governing the restraint of outdoor dogs.
The partnership that created this success included approaching law enforcement agencies, humane organizations, municipal leadership, and advocates across the state. While each stakeholder had a specific use case for support, our team worked incredibly hard to ensure that all supportive messaging was a responsible and moderate message that would be effective for lawmakers.
Governor Abbott originally vetoed this bill, however, through hard work and execution of our “11th-hour” plan, we were successful in having the Governor reverse his own veto during a special session.
Project Timeline:
Texas 84th & 85th Legislative Sessions:
Failure to pass House floor votes.
Texas 86th Legislative Session:
Asked to take part in organizing coalition partners including Houston PetSet.
May 2021
After two failed attempts in previous sessions, the Safe Outdoor Dog Act passes both Senate and House.
June 2021
Governor Abbott vetoed the Safe Outdoor Dog Act.
August 2021
I, with Houston PetSet and THLN, lobbied in overtime to reverse Governor’s veto
October 2021
Governor Abbott signs into law the Safe Outdoor Dog Act with an effective date of January 2022.