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Virginia Gov. Expands Protection to Cats and Dogs Being Sold to Animal Testing Facilities - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up! To the Governor of Virginia, Glenn Youngkin, for signing a package of bills that expand the protection of cats and dogs bred to be sold or transferred for experimental purposes under Virginia’s cruelty to animals law.  


Kittens rescued from NHES’ animal care facility

April 5, 2022

Gov. Youngkin signed several bills on April 4, 2022. Collectively, the bills expand protections of cats and dogs in the hands of breeders or dealers that are being transferred or sold to animal testing facilities. “This historic package of bills I signed today clarifies that dogs and cats bred and sold for experimental purposes are protected by Virginia’s cruelty to animals law, will help ensure welfare standards and save lives, and will give Virginia the authority to take action when welfare violations occur.” A statement which was quoted from Youngkin in a recent news article.

HB 1350 and SB 87 add cats to existing protections under the Comprehensive Animal Care law.  The law had only previously addressed dogs. It will stop breeders or dealers from transferring or selling if they have certain Animal Welfare Act violations.

Puppy rescued from NHES’ animal care facility

SB 88 requires the breeder of cats or dogs for experimental purposes to keep a record of every animal from the date of sale or transfer for five years from the accusation, which holds them more accountable. From there, they will have to report their quarterly record updates to a State Veterinarian.

SB 90 requires breeders of cats or dogs for sale or transfer to animal testing facilities to give the animals that are no longer needed a chance to be given up for adoption, rather than euthanizing them after the tests are finished.

Lastly, SB 604 places research cats and dogs under the label of companion animals, which protects them under Virginia’s cruelty to animals laws.

To learn more about animals and science and how to help please visit the link to our website here.

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3 responses to “Virginia Gov. Expands Protection to Cats and Dogs Being Sold to Animal Testing Facilities”

  1. Your biggest fan says:

    As a community I feel it’s our jobs to hold these companies responsible and boycotting is a tool that lets the people hold the power! Great read !

  2. it’s a good start, but we need to stop animal testing all together.

  3. Jennifer Ogden says:

    Let’s band together and stop this animal cruelty. Hear our voice, we are fighting for them

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