Virginia
Proposed bill would make malicious wounding of dogs, cats a class 6 felony in Virginia
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — A new bill to protect pets against animal cruelty passed unanimously in the Virginia Senate on February 10. Now, it’s on to the House of Delegates.
If approved, the bill will increase the punishment for maliciously wounding a dog or cat across Virginia.
This push for change is spearheaded by Senator Bill Stanley in response to the revenge killing of two Labrador pups by a Franklin County man almost three years ago.
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Jennifer Foley, manager of Planned Pethood Adoption Center, hopes this bill will make pet owners think twice before treating pets as objects.
“Pets are family, and so I think this is a perfect step in the right direction. We have pretty harsh sentences for people who do things to people, and it’s time the animals get their voice too,” Foley said.
The penalty for the malicious killing of a dog or cat would now be a class six felony- punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $2,500.