The highways of the Lone Star State just became a bit friendlier with the new Texas "Animal Friendly" license plates.
The lobbying efforts of The Fund for Animals and the Texas Humane Legislative Network were successful last year, when the Texas Legislature enacted a bill which created the "Animal Friendly" license plates. Motorists can purchase the special plates for $25 over the regular vehicle registration fee. From each purchase, $20 is deposited into a special Texas "Animal Friendly" account which will provide funding for free and reduced costs spay and neuter programs across Texas.
Over 1,000,000 homeless dogs and cats end up in animal shelters across Texas each year. Most of these animals are destroyed. Only major metropolitan areas in Texas have access to free or reduced cost spay and neuter programs to help stem the tide of dog and cat overpopulation. The "Animal Friendly" license plates will provide revenue to help establish affordable spay and neuter programs across Texas.
The Texas Department of Health is overseeing the "Animal Friendly" account, with an appointed advisory board. Non-profit animal protection organizations, municipalities and veterinary organizations can apply for funding for spay and neuter programs after the initial sales goal of $500,000 is met.
The Fund for Animals is providing posters, advertisements and brochures to Texas humane societies, animal control organizations, and interested veterinarians in an effort to help market the plates.
To receive an application for an "Animal Friendly" license plate, contact the Special Plates Branch of the Texas Department of Transportation at (512) 374-5010. You can also contact the Texas office of The Fund for Animals at (713) 862-3863 and we will be happy to send you an application in the mail.