Virginia dog owners won a major victory on January 26, when the Virginia Senate Agriculture Committee defeated a mandatory spay/neuter bill by an 8-6 vote. Senate Bill 1151 imposed a mandatory spay/neuter requirement on dogs picked up by animal control more than once.
AKC opposes the concept of the mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. Instead, we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of responsible breeders and owners. Additionally, we strongly support and actively promote a wide range of programs to educate the public about responsible breeding practices and the responsibilities of dog ownership.
The AKC was pleased to assist the efforts of the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and Breeders in defeating SB 1151 by notifying over 600 Virginia dog club officials of this bill and encouraging responsible owners and breeders to attend the committee hearing.
The AKC congratulates the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and Breeders for this victory and thanks them for their tireless efforts on behalf of Virginia dog owners and breeders.
Virginia dog owners won a major victory on January 26, when the Virginia Senate Agriculture…