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Bill

HB 1795

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for certain conduct constituting the offense of dog fighting or the offense of cockfighting.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Rafael Anchía and 1 co-sponsor

Texas bill increases criminal penalties for dog fighting and cockfighting offenses to strengthen animal cruelty enforcement and deterrence.

Committee report sent to Calendars
#animals(i0035) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #criminalprocedure--sentencing&punishment(i0205)
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Bill Summary · HB 1795

Legislative bill overview

HB 1795 proposes increasing criminal penalties for dog fighting and cockfighting offenses in Texas. The bill would enhance the severity of punishments currently applicable to individuals who engage in or facilitate these animal fighting activities.

Why is this important

Animal fighting is widely recognized as both animal cruelty and a gateway crime associated with other violent offenses. Enhanced penalties aim to create stronger deterrence against these illegal activities while reflecting evolving public attitudes toward animal welfare enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Penalty level concerns: Debate may exist over whether increased penalties are proportionate or if resources would be better directed toward enforcement and prosecution of existing laws
  • Rural vs. urban perspectives: Agricultural or rural communities may perceive the bill differently than urban areas, particularly regarding cultural practices and enforcement priorities
  • Implementation costs: Increased criminal penalties require court resources, incarceration capacity, and prosecution time, raising questions about fiscal impact and opportunity costs relative to other criminal justice priorities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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