Dumping a dog is a crime in Texas

It happens too often in the Valley: someone drives a dog to a back road or a parking lot and leaves. Many people don't know it, but in Texas that's a crime.

What the law says

Under Texas Penal Code §42.092, it's illegal to abandon an animal in your care without making reasonable arrangements for someone else to take it.

It's a Class A misdemeanor: up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Repeat offenders can face a state jail felony.

It happened in Donna

In April 2026, a litter of puppies was left in a Donna Walmart parking lot. It was caught on camera, and Donna police opened an investigation.

If you see a dog being dumped

• Stay safe. Don't confront anyone.
• Note the time, place, and the vehicle if you can see it.
• Take a photo or video from a safe distance.
• Report it to local police or animal control. Find your city's number on our local help page.

Can't foster? You can still help.

Dumped dogs often end up with a neighbor who steps in to foster. Howlback is a new app where neighbors follow those dogs and chip in toward their verified vet bills, food, and supplies, so fosters get paid back.

See a preview of the app, or sign up below to hear when it launches.