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2024 SESSION

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Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Subcommittee Companion Animals

Favola (Chair), Stanley, Pekarsky

Clerk: Michael Jackson,Ashleigh Hynst
Staff: Nathan Smith
Date of Meeting: February 21, 2024
Time and Place: 4 PM / Senate Room 311 (C) / GAB
Update: Removed - HB62, HB804

H.B. 223

Patron: Orrock

Cruelty to animals; possession and ownership of animals. Provides that any person convicted of felony cruelty to animals may be prohibited by the court from possession or ownership of animals for life and that any person convicted of misdemeanor cruelty to animals may be prohibited by the court from possession or ownership of animals for a period of up to five years. The bill provides that any person who violates such prohibition shall be punished for contempt of court, and the court shall order that any animal possessed or owned by such person may be disposed of by a local governing body or delivered to another person with a right of property in the animal. Under current law, such prohibition is limited to companion animals and a period equal to the statutory maximum period of incarceration.

The bill further provides that any person who has his rights to possession or ownership of companion or equine animals prohibited pursuant to a felony conviction may petition the court where such conviction occurred for a restoration of his rights after five years from the date of conviction.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 3.2-6570 of the Code of Virginia, relating to cruelty to animals; possession and ownership of companion or equine animals.

24106189D

H.B. 1354

Patron: Martinez

Declawing cats; prohibition. Makes unlawful the practice of declawing cats for any person engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine except as necessary for a therapeutic purpose, as defined in the bill.

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 38 of Title 54.1 a section numbered 54.1-3814, relating to declawing cats; prohibition.

24106640D