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VA HB730
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/13/2026
Primary Sponsor
Will Davis
Click for details
AI Summary
- Adds "maliciously kills any dog or cat that is a companion animal" as a standalone Class 6 felony offense under Virginia's animal cruelty statute
- Currently, killing a companion dog or cat is only a felony when it results from torture, willful inhumane injury, or cruel beating; malicious killing without those elements was not explicitly covered
- Felony conviction may result in lifetime prohibition from owning companion or equine animals, with eligibility to petition for restoration after five years
- The fiscal impact is estimated at a minimum of $50,000 due to potential increased imprisonment in state adult correctional facilities
- Bill was introduced January 14, 2026 by Delegate Davis and amends § 3.2-6570 of the Code of Virginia
Legislative Description
Cruelty to animals; malicious killing of a dog or cat, penalty.
Last Action
Left in Committee Courts of Justice
2/18/2026
Committee Referrals
Education2/18/2026
Courts of Justice2/4/2026
Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources1/13/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available