TEMPLE, Texas — For years, animal shelters across Central Texas have been fighting an uphill battle against pet overpopulation, limited resources and overcrowded facilities.

But help is on the way in the form of a historic $13 million investment from the Texas Legislature — the most significant commitment the state has ever made to animal welfare.

The funding, which still awaits final approval from Governor Greg Abbott, represents a breakthrough for local organizations struggling to address what advocates call a crisis affecting thousands of animals in our community.

"We estimate that there are 10,000 pets that are living in poverty in Temple, and 70% of those have never seen a vet," said Amy Dixon, director of the Human Animal Support Coalition . "We want to make that critical vet

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