Dear Pinkfreud,
I am directing this question to you because you have been very helpful
in answering past questions and because I know you work for an animal
rescue.  Please forgive if this is long or rambly, but I want to give
you as much info on the situation as possible.
I moved to Houston, Texas over two years ago and during this time I
have noticed an area on the highway near my apartment where many
groups of people sell puppies (and rabbits during Eastertime).  The
people sell these puppies right out of their vehicles or makeshift
pens.  I have not seen these animals up close, so I can't say if the
animals are neglected healthwise though I have seen them left out for
short periods in cold, hot (down here it can get very miserable), and
rainy weather.  From my experience working at an animal shelter in
another Texas town, I know that Texas is one of the worst states when
it comes to defending animal rights and welfare so I doubt much can be
done about that.  What does disturb me greatly is the fact that the
number of people selling animals at this spot is growing and growing. 
The breeds that are sold vary.  I've seen Chihauhaus, beagles, various
terriers, and black labs to name a few.  What really makes me
suspicious is that the majority of the breeds sold are the "bully
breeds" as well as Rotties.  This area of Texas has a *huge* problem
with dog fighting but it is hard to prove a person's motivation for
buying one of these breeds.  Houston's animal cops are overworked and
understaffed, so it wouldn't be surprising to find out that fighting
stocks are being sold in the open without being reported.  I suppose
there is nothing illegal about selling dogs on the highway, but I find
it very hard to believe that a truely caring breeder would do this. 
The sheer numbers of people doing this worries me, and the fact that
these breeds are either common "fighting breeds" or
flavor-of-the-month breeds concerns me and makes me wonder where and
how these pups are being bred.  Is there anything I can do?  *Should*
I do anything?  Any info on federal and Texas law regarding this issue
as well as links to Houston (Harris County) authorities or
organizations I could contact would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much for accepting my remarks as the answer to your
question. I've reposted the links below, with some additional info.

State of Texas Penal Code: CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
http://www.cap4pets.org/CrueltyLaws.html

Contact info for animal welfare organizations in the Houston area:

HOMELESS PET PLACEMENT LEAGUE
http://www.hppl.org/other.htm

Information on federal legislation that may be applicable:

The Voice for Dogs: The Animal Welfare Act of 1966 
http://www.thevoicefordogs.org/awa.html

The Voice for Dogs: FARM BILL/PPA PASSES 
http://www.thevoicefordogs.org/farmbillPPA.shtml

How to take action against puppy mills:

Stop Puppy Mills
http://www.stoppuppymills.org/takeaction.asp

I do think it's likely that your best ally in shutting down roadside
dog sales may be media attention. Local newspapers, radio stations,
and television stations can sometimes spur action on such matters from
legal authorities, and public awareness of this problem is an
important goal.

Bless you for caring about the animals. In our society, they will have
no voice unless we are their voices.

Best wishes,
pinkfreud

Thank you

You're right to be suspicious. Puppies sold by the roadside are often
"puppy mill" dogs.

Here's some information that may be helpful:

http://www.cap4pets.org/CrueltyLaws.html

Unfortunately, reporting this kind of thing to the police or to the
SPCA doesn't always help. Have you considered contacting a local
television station? Sometimes TV news reporters can do wonders in
exposing situations that need attention. A televised story about a
puppy mill in my area resulted in immediate legal action that probably
would not have occurred without the public outrage generated by the TV
viewers.

Here's another link that lists contact info for animal welfare
organizations in the Houston area:

http://www.hppl.org/other.htm

Pinkfreud,  Thank you for your comments.  I will be sure to contact
some organizations that you sited and ask for more advice on the
situation.  If you put this as your answer, I will send you your
payment.

Many thanks for the five stars and the nice tip!

~Pink

I am also in the Houston area and I would very much like to put a stop
to this practice. I signed up with this google answers thing just so I
could say so. You have an ally in me. Please get in touch.

Alicia,

Since Google Answers does not allow the posting of personal contact
information, it won't be possible for anyone to get in touch with you.

I'm always delighted to hear that someone is interested in helping
animals. I hope you'll consider becoming active in one of the many
animal rescue agencies in your area. Until every animal has a good
home, volunteers will always be desperately needed.

~pinkfreud