Hello, Supporters,

As you probably remember, our efforts to pass a law in 2018 protecting dogs from being tethering in harsh weather was effectively killed in subcommittee. This year, we had a short legislative session, but we did make some progress for Virginia's dogs (and animals).

We took another shot at pushing the harsh weather bill. After some back and forth wrangling, we were able to get some additional language added to "Companion animals; adequate shelter and space," particularly this line:

The bill defines "adequate shelter" to mean the provision of shelter that, during hot weather, is shaded and does not readily conduct heat and, during cold weather, has a windbreak at its entrance and provides sufficient bedding material.

Though we know this is a small step, it's in the right direction. This line now makes it illegal for people to simply leave their dog outside with a blue barrel or a plastic igloo, and requires them to insulate the shelter to protect against both hot and cold weather.

You can read the full summary of SB1025 here: https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?191+sum+SB1025S

Secondly, many of you undoubtedly heard about "Tommie," the dog who was set on fire in Richmond last month and subsequently died from his injuries a week later, despite a valiant effort by Richmond Animal Care and Control to save him. The awareness raised by this case led to the passage of SB1604 this session, also known as "Tommie's Law."

Prior to this bill's passage, the law required a dog or cat die as a direct result of torture, or inhumane injury or pain before the violation was considered a Class 6 felony. Now, it is a Class 6 felony for "cruelly or unnecessarily beating, maiming, mutilating, or killing a dog or cat." Simply put, cruelty to animals is now a felony in Virginia, even if the animal survives.

Thank you all for your continued support, and rest assured that we will be back at the 2020 General Assembly trying to strengthen the laws even more for neglected animals.

Gary