8/29/06

Below are the initiatives VVAW will pursue during the 2007 session of Virginia’s General Assembly which convenes in January.

Note that there is no language tied to any of them, and the new initiatives will require writing from scratch. Bills which are new for 2007 are so noted.

All bills are to be considered in "draft" form for now as we will all be able to contribute language, legislators may well do the same, and legislative services will also have input.

In addition, remember please to come to one of the four regional meetings when these initiatives will be reviewed. The meetings are all on Sundays and all run from 11am to 1pm.

Sunday, 9/10/06 Roanoke

Sunday, 9/24/06 Charlottesville

Sunday, 10/8/06 Fairfax

Sunday, 10/15/06 Newport News

Now is the time to take your favorite bill to your own delegate and/or senator and seek their support and patronage. A VVAW Board member can almost always be included in such a meeting if desired.

Thank you.

Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare Board

Lillian Clancy Kim Kincheloe

Peyton Coyner Don Marro

Debra Griggs Mollie McCurdy

Pat Weakland

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1. elimination of gas chambers

2. dealer permits

could be called dealer license; to be required state-wide even though some counties currently have no requirement for business license for any kind of business

NOTE: new for 2007 in this form (requirement to be statewide)

3. vets (and likely pounds and shelters) required to report dogs suspected of being

used for dog fighting

NOTE: new for 2007

4. releasing agencies

will include back-yard-breeders and pet shops as releasing agencies (in addition to pounds and shelters); no adoption/purchase unless sterile or, conversely, adopt or purchase by buy a breeding permit; eliminate chipping?

5. reinstate humane investigator program state-wide

program of trained volunteers to serve as an adjunct to ACOs and other enforcement personnel

NOTE: new for 2007

6. humane ed

humane education curriculum to encourage responsible ownership of companion

animals

7. tax credit for vets

provide tax credit for Virginia veterinarians performing pro bono work with largest

credits given to those performing sterilization surgery

8. raise funds by raising penalties for companion animal abuse

NOTE: new for 2007

9. $3 surcharge on rabies to be used for s/n

modeled after Delaware program as a way to fund s/n programs statewide

NOTE: new for 2007

10. tethering

NOTE: new for 2007

11. license fee cap to be increased by local option up to $35; money from license sales to be

earmarked for animal welfare programs including s/n, ACOs, rabies

NOTE: new for 2007 in this form (money earmarked for animal welfare)