Tethering animals; adequate shelter and space. (SB272)

Introduced By

Sen. John Bell (D-Chantilly) with support from co-patrons Sen. Bill DeSteph (R-Virginia Beach), and Sen. Lionell Spruill (D-Chesapeake)

Progress

✓	Introduced
✓	Passed Committee
☐	Passed House
✓	Passed Senate
☐	Signed by Governor
☐	Became Law

Description

Tethering animals; adequate shelter and space. Provides that outdoor tethering of an animal that is not actively engaged in conduct related to an agricultural activity does not meet the requirement that an animal be given adequate shelter if it occurs (i) between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.; (ii) when no owner is on the property; (iii) when the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher; (iv) during a heat advisory; or (v) during a severe weather warning. The bill increases certain minimum tether length requirements to meet the requirement that an animal be given adequate space by requiring that a tether be at least 15 feet in length or four times the length of the animal, whichever is greater. Current law requires the tether to be at least 10 feet in length or three times the length of the animal, whichever is greater. The bill also authorizes the governing body of any locality to adopt, and make more stringent, ordinances that parallel certain state provisions related to care of companion animals. Read the Bill »

Status

02/13/2020: In Committee

History

Date	Action
01/03/2020	Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/08/20 20103262D
01/03/2020	Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
01/08/2020	Impact statement from DPB (SB272)
01/29/2020	Assigned ACNR sub: Companion Animals
02/04/2020	Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources with amendments (7-Y 6-N 2-A) (see vote tally)
02/06/2020	Constitutional reading dispensed (40-Y 0-N) (see vote tally)
02/07/2020	Read second time
02/07/2020	Reading of amendments waived
02/07/2020	Committee amendments agreed to
02/07/2020	Engrossed by Senate as amended SB272E
02/07/2020	Printed as engrossed 20103262D-E
02/10/2020	Read third time and passed Senate (19-Y 19-N 1-A) (see vote tally)
02/10/2020	Chair votes Yes
02/12/2020	Impact statement from DPB (SB272E)
02/13/2020	Placed on Calendar
02/13/2020	Read first time
02/13/2020	Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources