Animals to get new legal protection in Virginia

Yesterday went to the dogs -- and a whole bunch of other animals in the state of Virginia -- that stand to be better protected thanks to a series of animal-fighting bills passed by the General Assembly and signed yesterday by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.

Joined at the headquarters of the Richmond SPCA by state and local elected officials and animal-rights advocates, Kaine ceremonially signed legislation toughening the law against animal fighting and restricting the operation of puppy mills.

Included among the bills signed into law:

• House Bill 656/Senate Bill 592 -- Makes animal fighting of any kind a Class 1 misdemeanor, while dog fighting remains a Class 6 felony charge. The bills also make it a felony to possess animal fighting equipment or to allow minors to become involved in animal-fighting activities. Animals involved in the activity can be subject to forfeiture. The law takes effect July 1.


• HB 538 -- Regulates and restricts dog breeding operations by requiring any breeder with 30 or more adult female dogs to be licensed by their locality, submit to inspections by animal-control officials, to maintain records, and to properly dispose of dead animals. The law also prohibits any person convicted of abuse, neglect or cruelty to animals from selling or trading them. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2009.


• HB 5 -- Prohibits using gas chambers to euthanize animals. The law is already in effect.


• SB 26 -- Makes organized dogfighting an offense subject to prosecution under Virginia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The law takes effect July 1.

"This is a significant step forward in the humane treatment and compassionate care of the animals we love," said Robin Starr, CEO of the Richmond SPCA.

The legislation passed last session was influenced in part by the investigation and prosecution of suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who was convicted of organized dogfighting charges in federal court last year.

Kaine, whose terrier-mutt, Gina, was adopted from the SPCA the day after he won election as Virginia governor, praised advocates and lawmakers from both parties agreeing on the measures. With Piper, a pit bull terrier, looking on, he signed the bills before a small crowd gathered in the spacious indoor track and training center of the facility.

"Sometimes it's said we fight like cats and dogs," said House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, who led efforts to get the legislation passed, along with House Minority Leader Ward L. Armstrong, D-Henry, and Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr., R-James City. "But this truly was a bipartisan effort."

Said Armstrong: "What people do to these animals is nothing short of barbarism in my book."
Contact Jim Nolan at (804) 649-6061 or jnolan@timesdispatch.com.