NEWS BRIEF: Va. House Takes on Animal Fighting, Limits Puppy Mills

February 14, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. – Lawmakers in Virginia have made it a little easier for authorities to investigate suspects engaging in dog fights.

The House of Delegates unanimously passed bills that would crack down on dog fighting and puppy mills on Tuesday.

Dubbed the “dog fighting bill,” it applies to all forms of animal fighting. The 93-2 vote also makes cockfighting a felony in the commonwealth.

This bill came in the wake of the Michael Vick dog fighting case. The suspended Atlanta Falcons football star is serving a 23-month sentence for his participation in the blood sport.

As for the puppy-mill measure, it passed 91-6. Under it, large commercial dog breeders will be regulated and have to obtain a local business license.

Their operations also will be subject to inspection by animal control officers. Breeders with more than 20 female breeding dogs will be required to keep extensive records.

The bill was supported by legislators who were made aware the issue last year when more than 1,100 dogs were found at one Carroll County puppy mill. They hope this legislation will eliminate the prevalence of poor conditions at puppy mills in their state.

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