TX HB1720

Creates a new criminal offense for knowingly entering a cage, enclosure, or animal housing area at facilities operated for public visitation, conservation, education, or science (such as zoos) without legal authority or permission

Classifies the base offense as a state jail felony, elevated to a third-degree felony if the person harassed the animal and the animal suffered injury or death

Defines "harass" as any act that demonstrates disregard for an animal's well-being or disrupts normal behavior patterns including feeding, watering, resting, or breeding

Provides a defense for entering to aid another person or animal, but explicitly excludes defenses based on inadequate security measures or self-defense claims that required injuring the animal

Requires mandatory restitution to the facility for any damage, loss, destruction, or animal injury/death resulting from the offense