summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
02/13/2026
02/13/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Devocalization of dogs prohibited. Makes it unlawful for any person engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine to perform a surgical devocalization procedure on a dog, except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing law to prohibit the surgical devocalization of dogs, which is a procedure to reduce a dog's ability to bark. The exception to this prohibition is when the procedure is medically necessary to treat or relieve an injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm. This change is being made to Section 54.1-3814 of the Code of Virginia, which previously dealt with declawing cats and devocalization of dogs without specific limitations.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Hearing (09:00:00 2/25/2026 House Committee Room B - 205) (on 02/25/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB707 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB707) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1135479.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB707/text/SB707S1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB707/text/SB707SC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB707) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1095051.PDF |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/21/2026 10:26 am) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1092689.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB707/text/SB707 |
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