Virginia Senate Bill 1390 would authorize any organization operated under the immediate supervision of a licensed veterinarian to operate a trap, neuter, and return program. The bill also exempts volunteers of such program from provisions related to abandonment and licensing of animals.
Virginia Considers Regulation of Trap, Neuter, Return Programs
Maryland Considers Animal Shelter Regulations
Maryland House Bill 381 proposes to require animal shelters to take reasonable steps to achieve a save rate of 90%, set a minimum number of business days an animal must be made available to be reclaimed by a guardian, require animal shelters to review lists of animals reported lost, prohibit animal shelters from obstructing the adoption of an animal based on the animal’s breed, and set requirements for when an animal may be euthanized.
Virginia Considers Pet Shop Employee Regulations
Virginia Senate Bill 1412 would require pet shops, dealers, and breeders to obtain a signed statement from any potential employee that that person has never been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment.
Virginia Considers Prohibiting Driving while Holding Companion Animal
Virginia House Bill 2077 would prohibit operating a motor vehicle while holding a companion animal.
Virginia Considers Prohibiting Breed Specific Legislation
Virginia Senate Bill 1135 would prohibit any locality from prohibiting the ownership of a particular breed of dog.
Virginia Considers Offering Animals Used in Research for Adoption
Virginia Senate Bill 1417 would require any animal testing facility that no longer has a need for a dog or cat in its possession to offer such animal for adoption.
Maryland Considers Requiring Additional Training for Animal Control Officers
Maryland House Bill 281 and Senate Bill 159 would require humane society officers and animal control officers complete at least eighty hours of training in the first year of their employment and six hours of continuing education every year.
Illinois Considers Tax Credit for Animal Adoption
Illinois House Bill 138 would establish a $250 tax credit for taxpayers who adopt an animal from a no kill animal shelter and retain custody of the animal for at least six consecutive months.
New York Considers Establishing Standards for Care of Retired Race Horses
New York Senate Bill 1442 would prohibit the slaughter of retired race horses and breeding stock, require that race horses and breeding horses be microchipped, and increase access to funding for the care of retired racing and breeding horses.
New York Considers Establishing Animal Offender Database
New York Assembly Bill 1549 would require the establishment and maintenance of a database of all adults who have been convicted of crimes against animals.