Texas Humane Network

Texas Humane Network was created to provide educational programs promoting the humane treatment of animals.

Established in 2020, the Texas Humane Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization affiliated with the 501(c)4, Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN). 

Our mission is to promote the humane treatment of animals through education, training, and outreach.

We need YOUR help to continue to cover the costs of our Texas Humane Network training and educational programs!

Our vision is that while THLN passes animal cruelty laws; we aid in the enforcement through education, training, and outreach.

OUR FOCUS FOR NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY

LEARN MORE ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS >

In Texas, our law enforcement officers have zero animal cruelty training when they leave the academy.

In 2010, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) conducted a research study focusing on law enforcement and its role in animal cruelty investigations. The study found approximately one-fifth of law enforcement officers stated they had received animal cruelty training. Less than half were familiar with animal cruelty laws, and only one-third said they knew the penalties of those laws. 

Further, the study identified three obstacles law enforcement professionals face when involved with animal cruelty cases.

1. Death of knowledge regarding animal cruelty cases.
2. Leadership seeing animal cruelty cases as a low priority.
3. Lack of facilities for housing animals kept as evidence.

As it pertains to dogfighting, the ASPCA conducted an additional study in 2015 that found while half of law enforcement officers reported they encountered dogfighting, only 23% said their department had the resources and training necessary to investigate those cases. More than half surveyed stated they received no training on investigating dogfighting cases, and 40% said limited resources are a factor in investigating dogfighting.

Law enforcement can strengthen investigations by developing and maintaining relationships across a diverse range of disciplines that encounter animal cruelty. Understanding the correlation between animal cruelty and violence brings law enforcement one step closer to saving the lives of both animals and humans.

What are people saying about our trainings?

An Assistant District Attorney in a rural county said:

“And on a side note [after the Texas Humane Network animal cruelty training], more agencies and more officers in our county are sending me all types of animal cruelty cases. We have you to thank for that.”

Lara Tomlin, Denton County Assistant District Attorney said:

“Texas Humane Network's training for law enforcement and animal control officers has been valuable in helping to prosecute animal cruelty crimes. Such support for officers helps to educate them on animal cruelty investigations and results in more animal cruelty cases being filed with our office.”

OUR OTHER PROGRAMS

  VIEW OUR ONLINE RESOURCES >  

  LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HUMANE CURRICULUM >  

 LEARN MORE ABOUT CRITTER CAMPS > 

Your generous donations help us to educate and advocate for the humane treatment of animals statewide!

Every dollar we receive goes directly to promoting animal protection, animal-based education, and animal-friendly changes within our state to stop the cycle of abuse & animal cruelty before it begins.