RICHMOND, VAVirginia concludes its legislative session with two major victories for cats: the approval of SB 1381, which requires private shelters to operate primarily for the purpose of adoption, and the defeat of HB 1565, which would have pushed more cats into shelters where they would likely be killed. Alley Cat Allies advocated for these outcomes for weeks and mobilized thousands of Virginians to contact their officials and support bills that protect cats.
“This legislative session was a huge victory for cats and Virginians,” said Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “Virginia has made it clear that they want sensible, effective policies for cats.”
The Virginia House of Delegates passed SB 1381 by a 95-2 landslide. This bill clarifies that all private animal shelters in Virginia must be operated primarily for the purpose of adoption. Previously, a loophole in the law was exploited by a few private shelters that were not making an attempt to adopt out animals. This clarification would guarantee that all private shelters operate with a purpose that is in line with basic public expectationsthat a shelter’s first objective should be to save lives.
HB 1565 would have encouraged the impoundment of any cat outdoors, regardless of whether the cat was someone’s pet, or neutered, vaccinated, and part of a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. After being voted down once and reconsidered, the Senate permanently defeated the bill, 29-8.
Robinson emphasized that Virginia residents reaching out to their senators and delegates was critical to achieving these victories for cats and all animals. “By making their voices heard, Virginians made a powerful impact on cats and the community,” said Robinson. “Alley Cat Allies is committed to creating and supporting public policy that protects cats across the country.”
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About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has over half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives of millions of cats and kittens nationwide. Its website is www.alleycat.org.