A federal judge in Austin has denied an attempt to block the state's new law aimed at cracking down on so-called puppy mill breeders.
The new law had been challenged by three breeders and the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance, which represents American Kennel Club groups across the state.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports U.S. District Judge James Nowlin signed the order Thursday denying the groups' constitutional challenge to the law, which went into effect Sept. 1.
Commercial breeders, defined as those who sell or exchange 20 or more animals yearly and have 11 or more breeding females, have to be licensed and undergo yearly inspection, as well as provide basic grooming, an annual veterinary exam and clean caging.
Opponents say the law punishes responsible breeders.
