Puppies received the blessing of the House of Delegates Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday. State Sen. Chap Petersen’s bill (SB 228) to protect puppies and consumers was voted out unanimously, poising the bill for final passage by the House of Delegates.
The bill will be added the House uncontested calendar.
Petersen’s bill, an artfully crafted compromise between pet stores, pet dealers, animal activists, and legal experts, will require pet dealers to fully disclose the breeder information for each animal and guarantee that the pets they sell are healthy. If the pet is found to be sick or diseased, the pet dealer will refund the price of the animal– or refund veterinary fees (up to the cost of purchase) for a sick animal if the owner decides to keep the pet.
“I’m pleased that we were able to pull together all the parties, and craft a solution that protects puppies and consumers.” Senator Petersen said in the lobby after the bill’s passage.
Petersen’s bill was notable in the unusually large and prominent level of support it attracted. Groups endorsing the bill included the Humane Society of Virginia, the Virginia SPCA, the Virginia Veterinary Association, and animal activist, author, and actress Pamela Anderson.
The bill now moves to the full House for a vote on final passage.
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