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Panel approves increase in statutory compensation for animals killed by dogs
Summary
A bipartisan measure to raise statutory compensation for owners whose livestock are killed by dogs — raising livestock from $750 to $1,000 and poultry from $10 to $25 — passed the committee 11–0 after supporters said inflation has increased the cost of animals.
Delegate Weber explained a bill that raises the statutory compensation paid when a dog kills livestock: the draft increases compensation for livestock from $750 to $1,000 and for fowl from $10 to $25. The sponsor said the change reflects higher replacement and market costs for animals.
Industry supporters, including the Virginia Farm Bureau and the Virginia Agribusiness Council, testified in favor. Committee members asked whether backyard chicken flocks are covered; counsel and the sponsor said poultry remains within the statutory definition of livestock and localities determine enforcement mechanics.
Witnesses raised administrative questions about how local animal-control and shelter budgets interact with the compensation program. Sharon Adams of the Virginia Alliance for Animal Shelters noted that animal-control offices often handle related enforcement duties and that local budgets can be a source of the payments; she asked that future conversations address administrative mechanics.
Vote and next steps: The committee reported the measure 11–0. The committee record does not show an appropriation; local enforcement and payment mechanics may be addressed in subsequent discussions or guidance.
