Statement by The HSUS on Gov. Kaine’s Signing of Va. Animal Protection Laws

June 4, 2008

John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues for The Humane Society of the United States issued the following statements in response to Gov. Tim Kaine's signing of animal protection laws in Virginia:

Animal Fighting

"Delegate Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, and Sen. Tommy Norment, R-Williamsburg, are leaders of animal protection in Virginia and we congratulate them for their successful effort to upgrade the commonwealth's status from having one of the worst laws against illegal animal fighting to one of the best in the nation. 

The case against Michael Vick focused the attention of the nation on Virginia and dogfighting, but for decades the commonwealth has been the epicenter of both illegal dogfighting and cockfighting. Now thanks to Gov. Kaine, Attorney General McDonnell and leaders in the legislature, Virginia is a national leader in setting strong public policy against this most egregious form of animal abuse. The commonwealth will no longer be a magnet for illegal animal fighters who could get away with a slap on the wrist.  

A second piece of animal fighting legislation, sponsored by Sen. Roscoe Reynolds, D-Ridgeway, has made dogfighting a predicate offense under the commonwealth's racketeering statute. This was a logical piece of legislation because dogfighting goes hand in hand with organized criminal activity. We anticipate other states to follow Virginia's lead."

Puppy Mills

"Dogs are cherished members of our families, not a cash crop. The Humane Society of the United States has exposed abusive puppy mills in Virginia, where dogs were kept in filthy cages with no socialization or human interaction. 

Legislation to limit the number of dogs who can be kept in commercial puppy factories will go a long way toward curbing the worst abuses in the commonwealth of Virginia and will set a precedent for other states to follow. We're grateful to Delegate Bobby Orrock, R-Caroline, Virginia's lawmakers and Gov. Kaine for their support of this historic provision and for taking a stand to crack down on these abusive puppy mill operations."  

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.