According to city documents, the ordinance is based on House Bill 1818 that failed to pass the 87th Texas Legislature session in 2021. The regulation would require publicly visible documentation of where every animal is sourced from and maintain that record for one year following the date the pet store takes possession of the dog or cat, be it an animal shelter, private breeding facility or other source.
A record would have to be displayed next to the cage or enclosure each dog or cat is kept in, detailing the name and contact information of its origin.
The new rule, should it become law, would only apply to commercial pet stores, not individual breeders that raise dogs or cats in their home, according to the documents.
The move comes after the Jan. 18 meeting, during which the council voted unanimously to form an animal services committee.
Mayor Jane Hughson said at that meeting the council wants to "see an entire community dedicated to protecting animals and saving lives,” adding later that the purpose is not to have the council take over management of the animal shelter or direct city staff that deal with animal control, but rather to see “how else we can help with outreach to the community.”
Hughson and council members Shane Scott and Alyssa Garza will serve on the new committee.
The Feb. 1 San Marcos City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. at San Marcos City Hall, 630 E. Hopkins, San Marcos.
