breaking chains

Groundbreaking new animal law means no more dogs on chains in Texas

This is now illegal.

Photo courtesy of SPCA

A new law goes into effect across Texas on January 18, which will help animals who unfortunately spend their lives outdoors.

Called the Safe Outdoors Dog Act, it lays down basic safeguards for outdoor dogs, as follows:

Defines "adequate shelter" to protect dogs from extreme temperatures, inclement weather, and standing water. Previously, there was no definition for shelter, and dogs that were tethered could (and did) die from exposure.
Requires access to drinkable water. Before the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, state law did not include this vital requirement.
Requires safe restraints. The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act bans the use of chains. Other tethering options such as cable tie-outs can be used, as long as they are correctly attached to a collar or harness.
Removes the 24-hour waiting period previously required that prevented animal control or law enforcement officers from taking immediate action when they found a freezing or suffering dog.

Unfortunately, the Safe Outdoors Dog Act does not prevent owners from tethering dogs or from keeping them outdoors. But it does define base-level requirements to ensure the dog gets adequate shelter and water, and limits the types of restraints allowed to be used.

The Safe Outdoors Dog Act was made possible due to the work of Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), and signed into law on October 25, 2021, after what THLN calls "the most contentious Texas legislative session in memory." The organization has been working on this legislation for six years, during which it was targeted by an extremist lawmaker and unexpectedly vetoed.

Of all the changes, the organization views the removal of the 24-hour warning period as the most significant change, allowing animal control officers to take immediate action for tethered dogs in distress.

The other big win is the banning of chains, which can tangle, rust, and break, and often cause pain and injury.

The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act does not apply to dogs who are:

Attached to a cable-tie out or trolley system
Camping or using other public recreational areas
Herding livestock or assisting with farming tasks
Hunting or participating in field trials
In an open-air truck bed while the owner completes a temporary task

To encourage dog owners to get on board, THLN has created the following list of nonprofits and civic groups who will help:

DALLAS/FORT WORTH: SPCA of Texas’ Russell H. Perry Pet Resource Center provides temporary support to pet owners in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex who are experiencing financial hardship and are at risk of having to surrender their pets. Contact: helpmypet@spca.org

NORTH TEXAS: The Love Pit is a Dallas-based nonprofit that improves the quality of life for pit bull-type dogs through rescue, education, and outreach in the DFW area. Contact: info@thelovepitrescue.org

BASTROP & TRAVIS COUNTIES: Dejando Huella ATX – donates dog houses & specializes in outreach to Spanish-speaking dog owners. Contact: dejando.huella.atx@gmail.com

CORPUS CHRISTI: People Assisting Animal Control organizes pet wellness & educational events, distributing cable tie-outs. Contact: cmmutt70@aol.com

MCLENNAN COUNTY: Cribs For Canines provides dog houses to under-resourced dog owners. Contact: Cribs for Canines (cribs4canines.com)

MIDLAND: Fix West Texas donates dog houses and other pet supplies to under-resourced dog owners. Contact: karen@fixwesttexas.org

TRAVIS COUNTY: The City of Austin Fencing Assistance Program donates fence material to under-resourced dog owners in Travis County. The city also donates dog houses to qualified residents. Contact: Amber.Harvey@austintexas.gov

TYLER: The SPCA of East Texas donates doghouses and other pet supplies to under-resourced dog owners. Contact: spca@spcaeasttx.com

VICTORIA: South Texas Tales – donates dog houses and other resources to under-resourced dog owners. Contact: southtexastails@yahoo.com

WICHITA FALLS: Chain Off Wichita Falls – donates fencing materials and labor for under-resourced dog owners. Contact: chainoffwf@gmail.com

WILLIAMSON COUNTY: Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter – serving Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto, and rural Williamson County. Donates dog houses and other items to under-resourced dog owners. Contact: wcras@wilco.org

Fences for Fido also provides support and mentorship to groups dedicated to getting dogs off chains. Contact: katrina.FencesForFido@gmail.com

a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

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