A recently enacted
Virginia law requires animal rescuers who take into their homes six
or more animals per year to register with the state, pay an annual registration
fee of $100, post their contact information at all local animal shelters
and keep detailed records of rescues and adoptions. The new law also
requires rescuers to open their homes to the public during "reasonable
hours," allow state inspections, make state-prescribed self-assessments
at least twice per year and take responsibility for the condition of
any foster homes used.
Failure to comply with the law, which is a Class
4 misdemeanor, subjects the offender to a fine to be determined by a
judge.
According to state Senator John C. Watkins,
the sponsor of the legislation, the new law is intended to link animal
rescuers in a formal network with shelters so that individuals will
have a greater chance of retrieving their lost pets.
Animal shelter representatives have expressed
support for the law, but a number of animal rescuers oppose it because
they believe it imposes undue burdens on them.
"More animals will die because rescuers and
foster homes will either stop or cut back, and that is really the bottom
line for us," said animal rescuer Walter Hutchens.