A troubling bill pertaining to animal shelter policies and practices advanced out of subcommittee late last week.
HB 1279 (O’Quinn) increases from five to 10 the number of days an animal confined by a public or private animal shelter or releasing agency shall be kept prior to disposal of the animal unless sooner claimed by the rightful owner. The bill also increases from five to 10 the number of additional days such animal shall be held if the owner or custodian of the shelter determines that the animal has a collar, tag, license, tattoo, or other form of identification.
VACo opposes HB 1279 due to the fiscal impact this legislation will have on localities. HB 1279 will likely be heard by the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, February 5, and VACo will be on hand to speak in opposition.
VACo Contact: Chris McDonald, Esq.