Let's get a Virginia bill to prevent TNR volunteers from paying penalties re-introduced!
Bill SB1390 was introduced and passed in the Virginia State Senate on February 2nd of this year. Unfortunately, it did not pass the second legislative phase in the House of Delegates.
This bill would exempt individual volunteers who practice TNR from laws relating to "abandonment of animals," holding animals without licenses, "general requirements of shelters related to holding periods, release of animals, and recordkeeping." Such laws, while mostly meant to protect animals, are not possible for volunteers to abide by given the particular nature of TNR.
People should not be punished for taking the initiative to help cats. Penalties discourage TNR work by individuals and make it difficult for rescues and vet clinics to work with volunteers. The end result is that fewer cats will be TNR'd or, in other words, more cats will suffer.
The bill was introduced by Senator Lynwood Lewis. Please E-mail Senator Lewis to let him know you support his bill and ask that he re-introduce it for another vote.
Then, don't wait! Contact VA Senate President Justin Fairfax and House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn to let them know they should support SB1390 when it is time to vote again.
This bill would exempt individual volunteers who practice TNR from laws relating to "abandonment of animals," holding animals without licenses, "general requirements of shelters related to holding periods, release of animals, and recordkeeping." Such laws, while mostly meant to protect animals, are not possible for volunteers to abide by given the particular nature of TNR.
People should not be punished for taking the initiative to help cats. Penalties discourage TNR work by individuals and make it difficult for rescues and vet clinics to work with volunteers. The end result is that fewer cats will be TNR'd or, in other words, more cats will suffer.
The bill was introduced by Senator Lynwood Lewis. Please E-mail Senator Lewis to let him know you support his bill and ask that he re-introduce it for another vote.
Then, don't wait! Contact VA Senate President Justin Fairfax and House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn to let them know they should support SB1390 when it is time to vote again.