Target: Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia
Goal: Support creation of animal abuse registry and other measures protecting Virginia’s animals.
Virginia has often led the way in regard to strong animal cruelty laws. According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, it ranks in the top tier of states for animal protection. Unfortunately, the state has also often ranked in the top ten (and even the top five) for number of animal abuse offenses. This ForceChange petition called on the state to continue strengthening its animal welfare framework. And with the passage of substantial new laws, Virginia is accepting the challenge.
One significant measure will open the door for public animal cruelty registries that identify individuals who have been convicted of animal cruelty. The registry could prove invaluable in preventing convicted offenders from unlawfully securing more potential victims via an unwitting person selling or giving away animals. A second law will potentially prohibit for life the worst animal cruelty offenders from taking ownership over animals. A third amendment to the statutes takes on the controversial practice of declawing, as it will ban the practice on cats unless the case is proven to have a therapeutic benefit for the cat.
Sign the petition below to thank lawmakers for their continued commitment to safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable animals.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Governor Youngkin,
Virginia introduced a host of new laws under your pen. Some of the lesser-known but more consequential – and potentially life-saving – statutes involved animal cruelty. This crime has unfortunately often flourished in the state. Admirably, the state is building a robust set of laws in response. The latest round will reflect the urgent need to hold convicted offenders accountable even after jail time and fines have been implemented.
A registry and a lifetime ban on future ownership are definite steps in the right direction. Thank you for helping ensure the welfare of all of Virginia’s living beings.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Krysten Merriman
I am so proud of this Governor. Virginia will be a better place to live for the effort being made to eradicate abuse!
This is such a relief. Animals and kids deserve these tough laws which when broken will demand justice for the victims and punishment for the criminals.
America is the land of law and order but no justice! Now this will make that a thing of the past. Victims deserve justice and b=now that will be the way of the courts and tougher laws. Thank you VA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!