RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – Dogs that kill chickens in Virginia would be saved from execution under a bill moving forward in the General Assembly.
The House of Delegates voted 82-17 to approve a bill Monday that would allow poultry-attacking dogs to be microchipped and locked up or sent to a new owner.
Under current law, courts are required to order the immediate killing or banishment to another state of a dog that’s found to be killing chickens or livestock.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports (bit.ly/1U476QC) that Republican Del. Christopher Collins, who introduced the bill, said it would “solve a great injustice for our family friend, the canine.”
The bill initially sought to also grant a reprieve to dogs caught killing cows. But it was narrowed amid objections from rural lawmakers.
It heads to the Senate.