§ 3.2-6593.1 — Animal testing facilities; adoption of dogs and cats

Virginia § 3.2-6593.1

• Jurisdiction: Virginia
• Title 3.2: Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food
• Subtitle V: Domestic Animals
• Ch. 65: Comprehensive Animal Care
• Art. 13: Animal Research

Text

Any breeder or animal testing facility that no longer has need for a dog or cat in its possession that does not pose a health or safety risk to the public or welfare of the animal shall (i) offer for release such dog or cat to a releasing agency for eventual adoption or for adoption through a private placement or (ii) in the case of a testing facility operated by an agency or institution of higher education, develop its own adoption program, provided that such program maintains records that comply with § 3.2-6557. Such breeder or animal testing facility shall keep such offer for release open for a reasonable length of time, up to three weeks, prior to euthanizing such dog or cat. A breeder or animal testing facility may enter into an agreement with a releasing agency for the implementation of the provisions of this section. A breeder or animal testing facility shall not be liable for any harm caused by or any defect suffered by any dog or cat adopted pursuant to this section.

For purposes of this section, "breeder" means a breeder who breeds dogs and cats for sale or transfer to an animal testing facility.

Legislative History

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 340; 2022, c. 91.