In attendance: * denotes member of Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare Board of Directors
Pat Breen
*Lillian Clancy
Ina Eaves
Kendra Ganobsik
Heidi Hooper
*Don Marro
Joe Pillera
Lisa Qualls
Holly Sternberg
*Pat Weakland

Don Marro brought the meeting to order. Each person introduced themselves and gave a brief background of themselves and their experience in animal welfare.

Don Marro indicated that gas chambers have been virtually eliminated in Virginia, although there are 3 places which have chambers that could be used. Those places are Lee, Scott, and Wythe counties, and information is being gathered to determine how often, if at all, the gas chambers are still being used there.

A bill to outlaw gas chambers so that no back-sliding can occur is contemplated for the 2008 session of the General Assembly.

Pat Weakland said he has been told that SOS (Save Our Shelters) is paying up to $1000/month to veterinarians to euthanize animals in places which might return to gas were such funding of vets discontinued.

Lillian Clancy said she believes that is old information, but should be investigated. Pat will follow up.

2. dogfighting letter

Many signed the dogfighting letter, but despite outreach to other animal welfare groups, only HSUS responded, saying they could not sign the letter. Those approached:

Some 400 plus signatures were secured and sent on.

Don spoke about his wish to force the Office of the State Veterinarian to do its job.

He referenced a letter from Deputy Secretary Blankenship which Don characterized as “remarkable” indicating that the state does not have responsibility for pet shops and backyard breeders, although the law says everyone must comply with food, shelter and care requirements.

The flyer referred to as “nester” was discussed and the reasons for not changing it identified. Several asked that “nester” be sent to them to use as a handout; it was agreed this would be done.

5. legislation and next steps

a. Don asked Lisa Qualls to meet with Del. Plum to find out why he is not pushing all the VVAW bills.

Lisa wondered if patrons in general are well-prepared enough to effectively push the VVAW agenda.

b. Lisa promoted attendance at the Taking Action for Animals conference in Washington DC on 7/28-30/07. The conference covers many valuable topics that will help people be better prepared advocates, including lectures on lobbying.

Jessica Kirwin of the Richmond group will be there, Lillian said.

Don advocated attending as many conferences as possible so all can see the legislative process is not arcane or foreboding.

Pat Weakland spoke of his experience as a lobbyist by learning while doing the work for VVAW.

c. Kendra Ganobsik will be the contact person to work with Sen. Ticer on the humane investigator bill. She will gather information needed to ensure that Sen. Ticer will be prepared sufficiently to defeat any opposition.

d. It was suggested that when VVAW bills are posted for the 2008 session, that as soon as one of the bills is filed and has an official number, that there be a “click here” to be able to see that bill in its official setting.

e. Several will work together to make a list of upcoming events at which VVAW might wish to participate, either directly or as a venue to hand out VVAW material. The list will include recommendations and evaluations of such events.

Don indicated VVAW will pay up to $100 per event if there are volunteers to attend such events.

f. Don offered the possibility of a multi-day VVAW conference this fall in The Plains which would help train those interested in pushing the VVAW agenda. The session would be free and only for those who are committed to working the VVAW bills in Richmond.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:15.