The 2024 Virginia Humane Scorecard is now available online and clearly demonstrates that Virginia is for animal lovers. State lawmakers passed eight pieces of anti-cruelty legislation, all of which were signed into law by the Governor. Thanks to the actions of advocates and legislators, the use of bullhooks on elephants is prohibited, pet stores must now comply with federal consumer credit law, and publicly-funded animal testing facilities will be further investigated.
Understanding how lawmakers voted on these and other animal protection measures is crucial in our mission to make Virginia, and the world, more humane. We encourage you to review the 2024 Virginia Humane Scorecard. Thank lawmakers who scored well while also holding those who did not vote humanely accountable. By uniting around candidates who understand the importance of fighting for all animals, we can work toward a cruelty-free world.
The bills scored on the 2024 Virginia Humane Scorecard which passed the state legislature and were signed into law include:
Animal Cruelty Conviction List (HB 62/SB 93): A ✓ indicates a vote in favor to permit localities to create and maintain a publicly accessible animal cruelty conviction registry displaying the names of those convicted of felony animal cruelty in Virginia. Sen. William Stanley (R), Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D), Del. Ellen Campbell (R), Del. N. Baxter Ennis (R), Del. Hyland Fowler (R), Del. Chris Runion (R), and Del. Kim Taylor (R) sponsored this legislation.
Cruelty Ownership and Possession (HB 223/SB 11): A ✓ indicates a vote in favor of passage to prohibit any person convicted of felony cruelty to animals from possession or ownership of of companion or equine animals. Sen. Barbara Favola (D), Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D), and Del. Robert Orrock (R) sponsored this legislation.
Pet Shops and Consumer Credit (HB 330): A ✓ indicates a vote in favor of passage to prohibit the financing of a dog or cat unless the contract/agreement compiles with state and federal law related to the offering of consumer credit. Del. Orrock (R) and Del. Shelly Simonds (D) sponsored this legislation.
Transparency in Public Information Reported from Animal Testing Facilities (HB 580/SB 411): A ✓ indicates a vote in favor of passage requiring the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to convene a Task Force to analyze and identify deficiencies with transparency in publicly funded animal testing facilities. With a Task Force established, there will be greater scrutiny on facilities that test on animals like dogs and rabbits. Del. Shelly Simonds (D), Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D), and Sen. William Stanley (R) sponsored this legislation.
Dangerous Dog Adjudication Timing (HB 804): A ✓ indicates a vote in favor of passage to require an evidentiary hearing pursuant to a dangerous dog summons to be held within 30 days or as soon as possible from the issuance of the summons. Del. Sam Rasoul (D) sponsored this legislation.
Veterinary Trainee Licensure (HB 848): A ✓ indicates a vote in favor of passage to allow any currently enrolled veterinary medicine licensure applicant to practice a limited scope of veterinary medicine. Del. Will Davis (R), Del. Israel O'Quinn (R), Del. Nicholas Freitas (R), Del. Thomas Garrett (R), Del. Chris Runion (R), and Del. Michael Webert (R) sponsored this legislation.
Bullhook Prohibition (HB 1531): A ✓ indicates a vote in favor of passage to prohibit using bullhooks, axe handles, block/tackle, or engaging in certain practices to discipline, train or attempt to control the behavior of an elephant. Del. Kathy Tran (D), Del. Marcia Price (D), Del. Sam Rasoul (D), Del. Irene Shin (D), Del. Rae Cousins (D), and Del. Debra Gardner (D) sponsored this legislation.
Off-Premises Vaccination and Microchip Clinics (SB 412): A ✓ indicates a vote in favor of passage to permit approved clinics to offer rabies and microchipping services. Sen. Boysko (D) sponsored this legislation.
HSLF acknowledges the limitations of judging legislators based on a few votes on animal issues, however important those issues may be. In some cases, legislators must miss votes for unavoidable reasons, such as a death in the family, serious illness, birth of a child or emergency in their district. Additionally, some bills may have good intentions but include problematic language or have unintended legal consequences. There are many potential reasons a legislator votes a certain way–all the more reason to engage with your elected officials directly and ask them their positions on various issues. In assessing the record of your representatives, and your strategy for engaging them in the future, do consider unrecorded matters such as committee participation and performance, House or Senate leadership posts, constituent engagement and responsiveness, and the other animal protection bills not included in this scorecard.
The full 2024 Virginia Humane Scorecard, and scorecards from previous sessions, can be found online at hslf.org/state-scorecards. Please share this scorecard with family, friends, and fellow advocates to help spread the word! We have made immense progress this year but there is still more to be done. We can continue to make Virginia a better place for wildlife and companion animals alike by putting this scorecard into action at the ballot box in future elections. Remember – when we elect humane candidates, we make a difference for animals!
