summary
Introduced
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Cruelty to animals; malicious killing of a dog or cat; penalty. Creates, under the animal cruelty provisions, a Class 6 felony for any person who maliciously kills any dog or cat that is a companion animal whether belonging to him or another. Currently, such felony applies only to a person who (i) tortures, willfully inflicts inhumane injury or pain not connected with bona fide scientific or medical experimentation, or cruelly and unnecessarily beats, maims, or mutilates any dog or cat that is a companion animal whether belonging to him or another and (ii) as a direct result causes serious bodily injury to such dog or cat that is a companion animal, the death of such dog or cat that is a companion animal, or the euthanasia of such animal on the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian upon determination that such euthanasia was necessary due to the condition of the animal.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing animal cruelty laws to create a new felony offense for the malicious killing of a dog or cat that is considered a companion animal, meaning a pet. Previously, a felony charge for cruelty to a companion animal required not only torture or inhumane injury but also a direct result of serious bodily injury, death, or necessary euthanasia. This bill simplifies the felony charge to specifically include the malicious killing of a pet, regardless of whether it results in serious injury or euthanasia, making it a Class 6 felony, which is a serious criminal offense.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Subcommittee recommends reporting and referring to Appropriations (9-Y 0-N) (on 02/20/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB261 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB261) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1095076.PDF |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/14/2026 6:34 pm) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1088140.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB261/text/SB261 |
Loading...