Legislative Update!

Several animal bills were considered in the 2012 General Assembly but this article will focus on two. HB888, patroned by Delegate Kenny Alexander, would have made it clear that localities can set their own tethering ordinances. Some localities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach believe they can, so they do indeed have laws, which restrict tethering. Other localities believe they can’t because of the way the State Code is written so, though they may want to restrict tethering they believe their hands are tied. The bill was supported by the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies, the Richmond SPCA, and the Humane Society of the United States. Taking “no position” which means they were silent and did not actively support it were the Virginia Alliance for Animal Shelters, the Chairman of which is the Executive Director of the Virginia Beach SPCA, the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and Breeders, and the Virginia Animal Control Association. Sadly this bill was killed in the House Agriculture Subcommittee.  Likewise, SB359 would have clarified that localities can practice Trap, Neuter, Release of feral cats (TNR). TNR is the most humane and effective approach to dealing with feral cats, as opposed to the “catch and kill” method that has failed for decades. Norfolk Animal Care Center killed nearly 500 feral cats last year, while Fairfax County Animal Shelter saw a 41% decrease in kittens entering their shelter after implementation of a TNR program. When presented to the Senate, this bill was supported by the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies, the Richmond SPCA, Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, Alley Cat Allies and the Humane Society of the United State. It passed the Senate. SB359 was opposed by the Virginia Alliance for Animal Shelters, PETA, and the Virginia Animal Control Association. An amended version was presented to the House Agriculture Subcommittee because many proponents believed as originally written; the Committee would not approve the bill but the bill failed nonetheless.

We are disappointed to report these outcomes.