Animal dumping, overcrowded shelters and a flesh-eating parasite spreading across Texas brought Rockwall residents to VineCrafters Winery & Grill on Tuesday evening for a conversation about what their community can do.

The Texas Humane Legislation Network hosted its "Unleash Change!" forum Aug. 11 at the Shady Creek Lane venue, one stop on a statewide tour bringing animal welfare policy discussions directly to local communities. Executive Director Mia Bendixsen and Senior Director of Government Relations Kolby Monnig led the two-hour session, which ran from 6 to 8 p.m.

The event was free.

The forum tackled three issues: illegal animal dumping, shelter overcrowding and the New World screwworm, a parasite that was considered eradicated from the United States in 1966 but returned to Texas in June when a calf in Zavala County tested positive. As of Aug. 5, the USDA had confirmed 45 infestations nationwide, 44 of them in Texas, with movement restrictions now covering parts of 22 counties from the Rio Grande Valley through West Texas and the Hill Country. The agency has made up to $100 million available for research and response.

Animals at risk include cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, deer, dogs and cats.

Bendixsen, an attorney who joined THLN in March, previously coordinated pet rescue efforts after Hurricane Harvey and led pet sheltering initiatives during other disasters. "I look forward to working alongside fellow advocates, partners, and lawmakers to make a lasting impact on animal welfare in Texas," she said when she was named executive director in March.

The Rockwall forum was structured as a two-way conversation, according to The Rockwall Times. THLN invited attendees to share the animal welfare challenges they see locally and discuss potential solutions, with wine and pizza served and time to connect with advocates before and after the 6:30 p.m. presentation.

The statewide tour continues with stops in McAllen on Aug. 19 and Gregory-Portland on Aug. 20. Residents can RSVP for upcoming events at THLN.org/events.