Richmond leaders move to strengthen animal cruelty penalties

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — City leaders in Richmond are advocating for an amendment to the city’s animal cruelty code aimed at enhancing protections for animals.

The proposed ordinance, which will be discussed today by the Public Safety Standing Committee, seeks to prohibit individuals convicted of animal cruelty from owning another animal for a minimum of five years.

The initiative aligns Richmond’s regulations with current state law , which stipulates that individuals convicted of felony animal cruelty can be banned from animal ownership for life, while those found guilty of misdemeanor animal cruelty face a potential ban of up to five years.

The state law was signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin in April and went into effect July 1.

According to the ordinance, its adoption would enable Richmond Animal Care and Control to implement the best practices in safeguarding both animals and residents.

The meeting to consider this ordinance is scheduled for 1 p.m. at City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 24. If the committee approves the proposal, it will move forward to City Council for further consideration on Oct. 1.

This legislative effort underscores the city’s commitment to animal welfare and aims to ensure that those who have committed acts of cruelty are held accountable.

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