RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Pancho’s Law took effect this week in Texas, adding criminal negligence to the state’s animal cruelty statute and holding pet service businesses accountable for harm or death to animals in their care.

The law is named after Pancho, a dog who died after a trip to the groomer. Pet owners across the Valley are reacting.

"I'm happy to see that justice is going to be served. Unfortunately, we can't take back the lives lost. I hope to see more steps forward towards proper care and handling,” said Carolyn Martinez, co-owner of Jingles.

Martinez says her dog Jingles was also a victim.

“We decide to bury Jingles the day I turned 21," Martinez said sadly. "It was March 12. It was the day she died. Eventually, we woke up that morning, she cried this long h

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