Bills pending in Virginia would open the door to appointment of volunteer humane investigators by a court, not only at the request of local animal control but also shelters and rescues. Humane investigators could also be re-appointed.  

Humane investigators must (1) have no convictions for animal cruelty or neglect, any felony, or any crime of moral turpitude, and (2) complete a basic animal control course approved by the State Veterinarian.  Humane investigators are supervised by animal control authorities and are authorized to "investigate violations of laws and ordinances regarding care and treatment of animals and disposal of dead animals." § 3.2-6559

H.B. 1143 was introduced by Delegate Jim Scott. The State Senate version is S.B. 648 and was introduced by Virginia state Sen. Jim Vogel. Another bill, H.B. 884, introduced by Delegate David Albo would allow sheriffs and police chiefs to appoint volunteer deputy animal control officers.

Enforcement is always an issue for animal cruelty crimes. It makes sense for a cash-strapped state in a flagging economy to use qualified volunteers appointed by the court or, in the case of animal control deputies, by sheriffs and police chiefs involved in the enforcement of these laws.  These bills would also take the burden off local animal control by encouraging the shelters and rescues to recommend qualified volunteers who can help investigate these crimes. It is the shelters and rescues that help save the lives and are often called on to care for the victims of animal cruelty. They are often the first to discover animal cruelty and should be able to help investigate it by recommending qualified volunteers to help animal control and other law enforcement agencies.

Lillian Clancy, founder of Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare, explains, "Farm Bureau and agribusiness interests have steadfastly opposed the Humane Investigator bill...for fear animal welfare law enforcement by volunteers will constitute a burdensome intervention in animal husbandry, notwithstanding the inability of agribusiness (or the State Vet) to effectively police itself. ... Agribusiness interests curtailed the volunteer Humane Investigator program of some 30 years duration, claiming ‘rogue' [humane investigators] ran roughshod over innocent farmers.  In fact, such evidence doesn't exist.....  Now, a legislature keen to lower taxes and reduce government has the opportunity to do so if agribusiness will be collaborative.... This bill [H.B. 1143/S.B. 648] restores a balance between animal welfare statutory violations and enforcement resources by reinstating and agribusiness by reinstating Humane Investigators as a law enforcement tool. ...This bill [H.B. 884] frees local law enforcement to find ways to enforce animal welfare laws through the use of volunteers as law enforcement sees fit."

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Find your Virginia state Assembly members here.  Write (letters or faxes are best) or call and urge them to restore the humane investigator program and work to stop animal cruelty in Virginia. Tell them to vote yes on H.B. 1143/S.B. 648 and H.B. 884.

Contact your Sheriff or Chief of Police, Treasurer, Commissioner of Revenue, Commonwealth Attorney, judges of the General District Court and Circuit Courts, and Board of Supervisors.  Tell them you don't want your taxes used when volunteers are available, and in particular, you don't want people to continue violating animal welfare laws when volunteer help is available.