James Talarico Takes Aim at ‘Anti-Puppy’ Ken Paxton, Reviving a 2015 Controversy

United States Senate nominee James Talarico (D-TX) is taking another jab at his opponent and Attorney General Ken Paxton (R-TX), claiming Paxton is “anti-puppy.”

At a “Puppies for Talarico” event last week with the Austin Humane Society to promote animal adoption, Talarico invited Texans to bring their beloved pets to hear him speak more about his Senate run. But the event brought much more than cuddly friends and playful puppies.

“Ken Paxton is anti-puppy,” Talarico said. “I know that sounds like I’m joking.”

Talarico pointed to a 2015 controversy involving Paxton, who was accused of a legal “cover-up” surrounding a decision that allowed Texas A&M University to withhold public records regarding the treatment of dozens of laboratory research animals.

Texas A&M declined to release the records, citing veterinary-client confidentiality. In that same year, the Houston Chronicle reported that the university relied on a legal opinion from Paxton’s office that supported not releasing the records.

“He won’t fight for the little guy, even when the little guy is literally a puppy,” Talarico said in an interview with MS Now.

With the accusations now resurfacing, the Humane World Action Fund, a animal-protection advocacy organization, also criticized Paxton for allegedly allowing the “horrific” research and testing. Political Director Brad Pyle said the Senate will likely face legislation addressing animal testing.

“Texans deserve to know whether the candidates seeking to represent them will support meaningful measures to reduce animal suffering, advance humane alternatives and ensure greater accountability in research involving animals,” Pyle said.

Paxton and his office have yet to respond to these allegations.

Talarico underscored his record of passing 60 bipartisan bills in the Texas House of Representatives, including one he sponsored after a fire at a pet resort in his district killed 75 dogs. The bill now requires all pet resorts and kennels to have either 24/7 staffing or automatic sprinkler systems.

“And that bill is going to save the lives of pets across Texas in the years to come,” Talarico said.