Senate Bill No. 1652 introduces new regulations regarding the sale of dogs and cats by pet stores in Texas. The bill establishes Chapter 206 in the Business & Commerce Code, which prohibits pet stores from selling dogs or cats, with specific exceptions for showcasing animals from certain entities, such as animal control agencies and nonprofit organizations dedicated to finding homes for homeless pets. The definition of a "pet store" is clarified to exclude individuals who sell animals they have raised or bred themselves. Additionally, pet stores that provide space for these entities to showcase animals must not have any ownership interest in the animals or receive fees for the space provided.

The bill also imposes civil penalties for violations, allowing the state to charge pet stores up to $500 per day for each dog or cat sold or offered for sale in violation of the new regulations. The attorney general is granted the authority to enforce these penalties and seek injunctions against violators. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to dogs and cats obtained by pet stores after this date, ensuring that any animals acquired before then will be governed by the previous laws.

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