Following a tragic fire in September that killed all 75 dogs that were staying at the Ponderosa Pet Resort in Georgetown, Round Rock State Representative James Talarico has filed House Bill 147 in an effort to beef up protections at pet boarding facilities.
HB 147 would require all Texas dog kennel operators who don’t have a staff member on-site 24/7 to install fire alarms and sprinkler systems.
“The fire in Georgetown was absolutely gut-wrenching. My heart goes out to the families that lost their loving companions,” said Talarico. “After the fire, our community rallied together and called for action. Our legislation will ensure accidents like this never happen again in Texas.”
In the aftermath of the fire it was learned that the Ponderosa Pet Resort did not have staff on-site at all times, nor was the facility equipped with a proper fire alert and suppression system.
The agenda for current special session of the Texas Legislature does not include Talarico’s legislation. The only way HB 147 could find its way onto the agenda would be through an order from Governor Greg Abbott.
