
Virginia
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
Virginia
Overall Rank: #15 (Top Tier)
- +Wide range of care standards/requirements including food, water, shelter, care, and space, which are well-defined
- +Veterinarians must report suspected animal cruelty, and have immunity for doing so
- +Thoroughly defined law prohibiting sexual assault of an animal, which includes sentencing provisions for post-conviction possession bans and mental health evaluation
- -No statutory authorization for post-conviction forfeiture of most species
- -No felony provisions for negligent or reckless abandonment of animals

Animal Protection Laws of Virginia
The Animal Protection Laws of Virginia compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Virginia with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
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Stop Ag-Gag Laws

No More Puppy Mills

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans
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Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws