Yesterday, the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (ACNR) Committee voted to approve legislation to ban “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm.
Senate Bill 707 banning “debarking” was approved and assigned to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee where it could be heard as soon as tomorrow, February 5, afternoon at 4:30pm.
In addition, the ACNR Companion Animal Subcommittee, voted to hold Senate Bill 792, which defines “puppy mills” until next session. AKC thanks all who took the time to contact the members to express concerns.
Take Action Today on Senate Bill 707:
It is unclear if there will be another committee hearing on SB 707, or if the next step will be a vote by the full Senate.
To comment on the bill, and given the uncertainty of what happens next, you are urged to contact the members of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, the ACNR Committee, and all members of the Senate immediately. (See previous alert for more information and talking points).
To contact members of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, click here and then click on the individual name of the member for their email and telephone number.
To contact members of the ACNR Committee, click here and then click on the individual name of the member for their email and telephone number.
To contact your local Senator, visit AKC’s Legislative Action Center at www.akcgr.org and click on the “Find Your Elected Officials” box on the home page.
AKC GR along with our partner the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and Breeders continues to monitor the Virginia General Assembly for bills impacting responsible dog owners and breeders.