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Bill

HB 495

Relating to the deceptive trade practice of providing false or misleading information regarding the health of an animal being sold or offered for sale.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Jared Patterson

Texas bill classifies false health information in animal sales as deceptive trade practice, enabling legal action against fraudulent sellers and protecting consumer pet purchases.

Referred to Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
#animals(i0035) #business&commerce--tradepractices(i0006) #consumerprotection(i0080)
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Bill Summary · HB 495

Legislative bill overview

HB 495 classifies providing false or misleading health information about animals being sold as a deceptive trade practice under Texas law. This would allow the Texas Attorney General and consumers to take legal action against sellers who misrepresent an animal's health status during sales transactions.

Why is this important

Pet and livestock purchases represent significant financial investments for consumers, and health misrepresentation can result in expensive veterinary bills, animal suffering, and emotional harm. This legislation provides legal recourse and creates accountability mechanisms for sellers engaging in fraudulent health claims, potentially protecting consumers from predatory sales practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill may not clearly define what constitutes "false or misleading" health information, potentially creating disputes over subjective health assessments versus deliberate fraud
  • Scope and enforcement: Unclear whether this applies only to commercial breeders/sellers or also to private individuals, and how enforcement would work across different sale channels (online, in-person, rescues)
  • Burden of proof: Determining what evidence proves a seller knowingly provided false information versus claims based on incomplete knowledge or honest mistakes could complicate litigation

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

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