Relating to prosecution of the criminal offense of cruelty to livestock animals.

HB 3816 amends Texas Penal Code Section 42.09 to clarify and expand the criminal offense of cruelty to livestock animals. The bill specifically prohibits acts like torturing livestock, failing to provide necessary food/water, abandoning animals, cruel transport, poisoning non-cattle animals without consent, forcing animal fights, using live animals as lures in dog racing, tripping horses, overworking animals, or administering controlled substances to racehorses. Violations are classified as either Class A misdemeanors or state jail felonies, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses involving prior convictions under this or related statutes. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, affecting livestock owners, handlers, and operators in Texas.