Yesterday, the Virginia General Assembly rejected Governor Northam’s recommendation to strike a provision regarding research animals from SB 891.
As mentioned in a previous alert, the bill changed the definition of “commercial dog breeder” and added a provision to exempt a person who breeds an animal regulated under federal law as a research animal.
At the urging of animal rights groups, the Governor sent back a recommendation to strike the exemption. This recommendation was rejected by both chambers.
Aside from a few additional minor recommended changes by the Governor that were approved by the General Assembly, the bill now becomes law as passed by the legislature.
AKC would like to thank the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and Breeders for all their efforts this year on the many bills impacting dogs that were considered by the General Assembly.
For questions or more information, please contact doglaw@akc.org.