Virginia Senate Bill SB87

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/5/22
• Report Pass: 2/8/22
• Engrossed: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/21/22
• Report Pass: 3/2/22
• Engrossed: 3/7/22
• Engrossed: 3/8/22
• Enrolled: 3/10/22
• Chaptered: 4/5/22
• Passed: 4/5/22

Caption

Dealers; prohibits sale of dogs or cats for experimental purposes.

Impact

The passing of SB87 will amend §3.2-6511.2 of the Code of Virginia, establishing stricter regulations for animal dealers and breeders. This legislation holds particular significance for the animal welfare community, as it seeks to prevent the sale of animals that originate from breeders who have a history of violations related to animal care. Such changes could lead to a significant reduction in unethical breeding practices and improve the overall treatment of animals within the commercial breeding system.

Summary

SB87 is a legislative bill aimed at prohibiting dealers, commercial dog breeders, and cat breeders from importing, selling, or offering for sale dogs or cats bred by individuals who have received certain violations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act. The provisions outlined in the bill emphasize the need for ethical practices in the breeding and sale of animals, especially concerning those animals used in research. By imposing penalties on violators and setting standards for breeders, the bill seeks to enhance animal welfare in the state of Virginia.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB87 appeared to be predominantly positive among advocates for animal rights and welfare. Supporters view the bill as a crucial step toward protecting the welfare of animals and ensuring that breeding practices meet ethical standards. However, there is a potential contention among commercial breeders who may see the legislation as overly restrictive, possibly impacting their livelihoods and the availability of pets for sale.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB87 relate to the balance between animal welfare and the rights of breeders. While the intent of the bill is to promote ethical breeding practices, concerns have been raised about how such regulations might affect small breeders who comply with existing standards. Additionally, the enforcement mechanisms and the classification of what constitutes a violation could lead to ambiguity, creating challenges in compliance and enforcement down the line.