January 26, 2015 the Virginia House Agricultural Subcommittee heard bills HB 1565 and HB 1586, and the results are mixed.
- Thanks to your help, the sponsor removed the most destructive part of the Cat Impoundment Bill, HB 1565, and the bill no longer requires the impoundment of cats. The subcommittee passed the bill with this amendment. Previously, HB 1565 would have mandated that animal control impound cats whenever a person complained. Although the current version does not mandate the impoundment of cats, we are concerned this bill would encourage the impoundment of more cats. We will continue to oppose this bill.
- The Community Cat Bill, HB 1586, was voted down. This bill would have made clear that there are no obstacles in Virginia code to any individual or organization engaging in TNR. However, even without this bill, Alley Cat Allies’ analysis is that private citizens and organizations may participate in all aspects of TNR, and animal control agencies may promote TNR and assist with spaying and neutering of cats. We thank Delegate Kory for sponsoring this legislation.
Thanks to everyone who took action on these bills. We will continue to monitor legislative efforts in Virginia and let you know when further action is needed. Together we can make Virginia a safe place for cats!