Protecting Animals in Our Community

Did you know that animal cruelty in Texas can result in fines of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of up to two years? Thanks to House Bill 656 and Senate Bill 1724—collectively known as Loco’s Law—animal cruelty has been a criminal offense in the state since 2001. This landmark legislation was named after Loco, a dog who suffered a horrific act of abuse when his eyes were intentionally gouged out. His tragic case ignited a movement that led to stronger protections for animals across Texas. What is Animal Cruelty? Animal cruelty takes many forms, ranging from neglect and abandonment to outright abuse and exploitation. Some of the most common instances include puppy mills, factory farming, illegal wildlife trade, and entertainment industries that force animals into inhumane conditions. Recognizing these forms of cruelty is the first step in preventing them, as every individual has the power to make a difference by speaking out against mistreatment and advocating for better animal welfare standards. Animals are essential members of our communities, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being. Animal cruelty is broadly defined as the intentional infliction of harm on an animal or the […]

Posted by on 01 Apr 2025

Breaking the Silence: Raising Awareness for Teen Dating Violence

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. This issue affects millions of young people every day. Teen dating violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and digital abuse. Unfortunately, some teens may not recognize the abuse, or they may be too afraid to speak out. It is crucial for teens to recognize the warning signs of abuse in their relationships. Some red flags include extreme jealousy or insecurity, belittling or put-downs, pressure for sexual activity, and threats of harm. There are many ways for teens to protect themselves if they experience dating violence. Setting boundaries, trusting their instincts, and having a safety plan are essential steps. It is also important to know when to seek help. Teens should talk to a trusted adult—such as a parent, teacher, or counselor—if they feel unsafe. They can also reach out to a local domestic violence hotline or law enforcement for support. Every teen deserves a healthy, respectful relationship. By speaking up and supporting one another, we can break the cycle of abuse and create a future where love is safe and empowering. For more information, visit millionformillion.org.

Posted by on 25 Feb 2025

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3 FAQs About Illicit Massage Businesses

One of the most well-known forms of human trafficking is the selling of commercial sex within illicit massage businesses (IMBs). It is the second most common type of trafficking reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline1, and most Houstonians can find an IMB within a short driving distance of their home, school, or place of employment. It’s important to remember that most massage businesses in America are not illicit – they employ perfectly legal operations and provide safe and effective treatment for their clientele. We must also remember that not all massage workers at an IMB provide sexual services, and many regular customers would never know that some clients in the next room are paying for sex. But in our community outreach efforts, our team here at Crime Stoppers of Houston is constantly asked about trafficking by concerned neighbors, and this unfortunate reality is very much alive in our city. We have found that many of our community members share common questions about the nature of trafficking and illicit massage businesses within our city: How can you tell if a massage parlor is legitimate or not? This is by far one of the most common questions our team gets. A […]

Posted by on 31 Jan 2025