DENISON, Texas (KTEN) — A new Texas law will ban animal cruelty offenders from owning any kind of animal for five years. 

"All living creatures should be included under the laws that protect animals; no one should be excluded," said Kristin Rickman with the PETA Emergency Response Team.

Under the new law, offenders will still be able to live in the same house with animals, but if caught owning an animal during the five years, the offender could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and a $500 fine. 

"Anything that is going to improve lives, reduce suffering and make sure that victims aren't repeatedly abused is an amazing step in the right direction; congratulations to Texans for that," Rickman said. "Humans and animals are just alike; we all feel pain, we all experience fear, we all wish for joy, we want to live. Animals feel those same things. They're individuals, just like us."

Denison Animal Welfare Group acknowledges the new law could increase the number of animals that are surrendered. 

"But in the long run, it's going to be a good thing, because you're getting those animals out of a potentially dangerous situation," said DAWG shelter manager Karen Spykes.