The Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN): Radicalism on the Rise

A version of this article was previously published. Most of the information provided still holds true today. Western Justice is sharing to help reveal the manner in which extremist groups operate, their ties to and cooperation with other extremist groups, and the continued threat they pose to our lifestyles and livelihoods.

The Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), founded in 1975 as the Texas Humane Information Network (THIN), has evolved over four decades into one of the most active animal rights lobbying groups in Texas. Initially more moderate, THIN struggled to gain traction until the mid-1990s, when leadership shifted toward a more radical approach. Rebranded as THLN, the organization intensified its lobbying strategies and deepened alliances with national extremist groups like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the ASPCA, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), and Animal Wellness Action (AWA).

THLN presents itself as “the only Texas-based organization focused on addressing unjust animal welfare laws.” However, critics argue that it is an animal liberation group advancing an extremist agenda under the guise of animal welfare. The organization leverages grassroots activism and high-profile lobbyists, positioning itself as the dominant voice on animal-related legislation in the state.

Leadership and Affiliations

The THLN Board of Directors is heavy on lawyers and activists but notably light on veterinarians or experts in animal husbandry. Current and former leaders frequently move between THLN and other extremist organizations, reinforcing the close-knit network of advocacy groups. The Advisory Board includes long-time animal activists and figures with ties to the ALDF, HSUS, and AWA. Financially, THLN has attracted significant backing, with contributions in the millions, and has built partnerships with local shelters, advocacy groups, and corporate sponsors.

Cooperation with Extremist Groups

THLN has collaborated with national organizations to influence state-level policy. Its 2016 Annual Advocacy Conference featured speakers from ALDF, ASPCA, HSUS, and PETA affiliates, demonstrating its deep entrenchment within the animal extremist movement.

Propagandizing Texas Youth

THLN’s ambitions extend beyond the legislature to shaping the views of the next generation. Through its Junior Advocacy Program and Humane Library Program, the group actively engages with Texas schoolchildren.

Junior Advocacy Program

Targeting children ages 9–17, this program trains participants in advocacy techniques, requiring them to:

- Meet with legislators to discuss animal welfare issues.

- Write letters to federal lawmakers.

- Deliver public presentations at THLN events.

- Volunteer at local shelters.

- Submit a final paper summarizing their learnings.

While framed as civic education, critics argue the program indoctrinates children into an extremist ideology rather than teaching balanced perspectives on animal care and agriculture.

Humane Library Program

THLN also curates and donates books to schools, promoting literature that often anthropomorphizes animals or pushes vegan and anti-agriculture narratives. Titles include V is for Vegan: The ABCs of Being Kind, That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals, and Vegan is Love: Having a Heart and Taking Action.

Though some titles are classics (Black Beauty, Charlotte’s Web), others promote an animal rights worldview that undermines traditional farming and ranching practices. Critics contend this creates confusion for children raised in agricultural families and promotes unrealistic views of animal “personhood.”

Legislation and Political Influence

THLN’s power is most visible in the Texas Legislature. The group has introduced and reintroduced bills session after session, often until they pass. This persistence is supported by substantial funding, both from THLN and allied groups like HSUS, as well as individual donors such as Robert “Skip” Trimble and T. Boone Pickens.

Endorsed Candidates

THLN designates its supported lawmakers as “Animal Approved” candidates. Since 2018, the organization and its allies have funneled over $60,000 into Texas campaigns. These endorsements cut across party lines, uniting legislators around advancing THLN’s agenda.

Key Legislation

• HB 1451 (2011 – Dog and Cat Breeder Bill): Imposed strict licensing and inspection requirements on breeders, allowing warrantless inspections and establishing activist “bounty funds.” Despite opposition from breeders, veterinarians, and the AKC, the law was upheld in court with strong support from THLN and HSUS.

• Safe Outdoor Dogs Legislation (HB 873/SB 474 – 2021): Sought to criminalize certain tethering practices. Critics argued it contradicted existing enforceable laws, while the AKC and American Dog Breeders Association maintained that tethering can be humane when done responsibly.

• Other Bills: THLN has repeatedly backed laws targeting restraint of dogs, regulating breeders, and mandating tax exemptions for shelter adoptions. These measures are often criticized as redundant, given Texas already ranks among the top states for strict animal cruelty laws.

Political Strategy

THLN’s influence extends to lobbying commissions, such as persuading the Sunset Advisory Commission in 2020 to preserve the Licensed Breeder Program despite recommendations to eliminate it due to inefficiency and cost.

Conclusion

Over more than forty years, THLN has transformed from a small advocacy group into a powerful, well-funded lobby entrenched in Texas politics. With strong ties to national extremist organizations, it exerts influence through:

- Heavy legislative lobbying and candidate endorsements.

- Youth programs aimed at shaping future activists.

- Persistent reintroduction of restrictive legislation until successful.

Critics argue that THLN’s agenda is not about genuine animal welfare but about advancing an extremist ideology designed to end animal ownership and agriculture in Texas. From indoctrinating children to pushing overreaching laws, THLN represents a long-term threat to Texas traditions of ranching, farming, and responsible animal stewardship – traditions that fuel rural economies and help feed the nation.