Virginia Animal Owners Alliance

21/01/2025

ALERT!

Senate Bill 1125 has passed the Senate Companion Animals Subcommittee and now goes to full committee! We need your help in defeating this bill!

Bottle raising baby animals is a STANDARD HUSBANDRY PRACTICE in many zoos much as it is in the farming industry. PETA is supporting this legislation, but they are against farmers as well. They recently sued a dairy farm for separating calves from their mothers.

https://www.wpr.org/agriculture/peta-suing-wisconsin-dairy-co-op-separating-calves-their-moms-why-do-farmers-do-so

The bill also deals with hybrid animals. Senator Jennifer B. Boysko--the sponsor of the bill--INCORRECTLY stated that hybrids do not occur in the wild. THIS IS FALSE.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/five-shocking-animal-hybrids-that-truly-exist-in-nature-from-narlugas-to-grolar-bears-to-coywolves-180983996/

Senate Bill 1125 is clearly targeting family zoos and their veterinarians and must be defeated!

PLEASE CALL THE SENATORS ON THE SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE AND ASK THEM TO VOTE "NO" ON SENATE BILL 1125:

Senator David Marsden
(804) 698-7535

Senator Mark Obenshain
(804) 698-7502

Senator Richard Stuart
(804) 698-7525

Senator William Stanley
(804) 698-7507

Senator David Suetterlein
(804) 698-7504

Senator Ghazala Hashmi
(804) 698-7515

Senator Travis Hackworth
(804) 698-7505

Senator Angelia Williams Graves
(804) 698-7521

Senator Russet Perry
(804) 698-7531

Senator Stella Pekarsky
(804) 698-7536

Senator Timmy French
(804) 698-7501

Senator Saddam Azlan Salim
(804) 698-7537

Senator Tammy Brankley Mulchi
(804) 698-7509

Senator Kannan Srinivasan
804-698-7532

The now-famous “virgin” stingray Charlotte is not having hybrid babies, scientists say. But in nature, distinct species sometimes interbreed to produce surprising offspring

21/01/2025

Senate Bill 1125 is another piece of legislation that has the fingerprints of the Animal Law Unit and PETA all over it.

It's anti-animal. It's anti-business. It's anti-citizen.

The Animal Law Unit spent a great deal of time in court trying to paint the Mogensen family as monsters for choosing to bottle-raise baby animals. Yet, they put Darren Minier of the Oakland Zoo on the stand as their "expert" who testified it is "inhumane" and "unethical" to allow a baby animal to live after it has been rejected by its mother! This is preserved in the court transcript.

Given that Darren is one of the Vice-Chairs for the AZA Animal Welfare Committee, do you think we should give the AZA the power to dictate animal care in Virginia? We think not and we will fight you over our animals. This is not just words on paper. These are powerful ideas that seek to put an end to our way of life and the human/animal bond.

How is legislation such as this even being sponsored in the United State of America? Do our elected officials not have any type of filter in place? Are legal teams not reviewing these ideas beforehand? Does a PETA endorsement carry more weight than our freedoms?

The oldest continuous law-making body in the Western Hemisphere should do better than this. The fact that these horrific bills are even being sponsored is a disgrace.

We expect our elected representatives to vote against them.

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1125/text/SB1125

20/01/2025

Those of us who have spent days sitting in the Rockbridge County Courthouse with the Mogensen family recognize certain pieces of legislation as the direct creation of Virginia's Animal Law Unit. They read like an ALU wish list.

The things that have been incorporated into House Bill 1768 are truly terrifying and people would be up in arms if this language was brought forward pertaining to their pet dogs and cats. By focusing on primates, the target is much smaller and thereby the opposition less fierce. However, this bill demands everyone's attention. We must not allow the Animal Law Unit to get away with this!

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1768/text/HB1768

Up until this point in time, Virginia law has not allowed companion animals to be impounded on-site. This piece of proposed legislation will change this with the language, "If there is no immediate threat to public safety or animal welfare, a law-enforcement officer may impound the primate in place."

IN OTHER WORDS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PERMITTED TO TAKE OVER A CITIZEN'S HOME.

IT WILL ALSO CODIFY THE ABUSE WE HAVE WITNESSED AGAINST THE MOGENSEN FAMILY.

The Animal Law Unit has argued in court that the giraffes at Natural Bridge Zoo are COMPANION animals. Yet, legally a companion animal cannot be impounded on-site. Furthermore, when an agricultural animal is impounded under current law, law enforcement is to provide care for the animals pending court (3.2-6569). The Virginia State Police were permitted to effectively abandon the giraffes at Natural Bridge Zoo and questions swirl over how the County of Rockbridge could order something the law does not allow. Over a year after their impoundment, the Mogensens are STILL paying for the food, heat, enrichment, and care staff FOR ANIMALS THEY DO NOT LEGALLY OWN. The Animal Law Unit has not contributed a dime towards the giraffes and even sent a letter with a host of demands regarding daily care, births, deaths, veterinarian exams, contracts, etc. The Mogensen family is working for the Attorney General's Office without ANY compensation. Their labors and services are being obtained by Jason Miyares against their will.

THIS IS ILLEGAL.

THIS IS SLAVERY.

Such use of force reads as if it is taken directly from Virginia's code on abduction, but this time the government is the perpetrator:

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title18.2/chapter4/article3/

House Bill 1768 seeks to "LEGALIZE" such treatment of citizens and enshrine it into Virginia code!!!

Please call the office of Delegate Martinez and ask him to withdraw this harmful legislation:

(804) 698-1029

Call the offices of each member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee and tell them to OPPOSE House Bill 1768:

Delegate Dan Helmer
(804) 698-1010

Delegate Rodney Willett
(804) 698-1058

Delegate Jackie Glass
(804) 698-1093

Delegate Nadarius Clark
(804) 698-1084

Delegate Phil Hernandez
(804) 698-1094

Delegate Amy Laufer
(804) 698-1055

Delegate Tony Wilt
(804) 698-1034

Delegate Michael Webert
(804) 698-1061

Delegate "Buddy" Fowler Jr.
(804) 698-1059

Delegate Chris Runion
(804) 698-1035

Delegate Alfonso Lopez
(804) 698-1003

Thank you for your help!

20/01/2025

17/01/2025

While the is working in Richmond, we are raising awareness about Zeus and the Animal Law Unit. This massive billboard is located on Interstate 195 near downtown. Please share his story with every animal lover you know and sign the petition at the following link:

https://www.change.org/JusticeForZeusTheTiger

Together, we can bring reform to Virginia!

17/01/2025

17/01/2025

Unbelievable, but true.

16/01/2025

16/01/2025

LOOK AT THIS!!!

Both Senate Bill 1075 by Senator Mark Peake and House Bill 2143 by Delegate Eric Zehr fly in the face of what is taught by the VirginiaDMV!

https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/forms/dmv39c.pdf

If this legislation passes, it would require the Amish to retrain their horses to the use of a variety of horns. It takes a very special type of horse to remain calm in such a situation. They would have to have nerves of steel like a police horse. Many common buggy horses would not be able to overcome their flight instinct and would have to be replaced. However, this is not a quick or simple task. It would also impose a financial burden on each Amish family. If the legislature insists on requiring the installation of a horn, they should cover the costs for each family to have their horse trained (and potentially replaced) as well as their travel expenses as they would be forced to rely on the English to provide them with transportation during this time.

Even if the legislature agreed to all of this, however, there would still remain serious questions about enforcement. The Amish are just trying to quietly live their lives adhering to their religious beliefs. They are not harming anyone and should be left alone. It is a step too far to dictate that the government inspect the Amish buggy, but that is where we are heading if this bill passes into law.

The VAOA is asking our legislators to protect the Amish community in Virginia and strongly oppose these bills.

16/01/2025

It's not every day they say the quiet part out loud. The Virginia State Director for the Humane Society of the United States told the Senate Companion Animals Subcommittee what we knew all along.

The VAOA is on the opposite side of the spectrum. In America, we're supposed to have choices. Shelters and rescues shouldn't hold a monopoly on pets.

14/01/2025

DO THESE PATRONS KNOW WHAT THEY'RE SPONSORING???

The biggest issue with both Senate Bill 903 and Senate Bill 916 is that they appear to be promoting something that is ILLEGAL. The language of SB 903 is proposing to restrict pet shops to only purchase animals from a person "who holds a valid license to breed within the Commonwealth".

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB903?fbclid=IwY2xjawHytUpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZ62Iq9gY3-LkFBV8cRL_eU8lkzbWYj4smIk8TB9aOyoRo4J0g2NgtjIKA_aem_1iKWuJ56im5SLaOnYo4Qlw

SB 916 states "The governing body of any locality may, by ordinance, regulate or restrict the acquisition, marketing, and sale of animals in a pet shop".

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB916?fbclid=IwY2xjawHyuNxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdHy9IAFxAEcHfA7Blk53G2-sIfFtACuW9bRAgJO4Ith7y1WEaLB5Wj5cA_aem_eM04qcx350KpORGXXN26RA

When you look at both pieces of legislation the picture becomes clear. Pet shops will be restricted to only purchase animals from Virginia. Forcing such a mandate on a business is very un-American and it's also against the law. It's called "protectionism". It is discriminatory. The State is not allowed to favor in-State businesses over out-of-State businesses under the Dormant Commerce Clause.

https://www.bonalaw.com/insights/legal-resources/how-can-businesses-use-the-dormant-commerce-clause-to-their-advantage #:~:text=The%20Commerce%20Clause%20of%20the,them%20than%20on%20local%20businesses.

This should give the patrons and the subcommittee immediate pause before trying to push these bills any further through the legislature. But there are other problems too.

SB 903 is also very un-American in mandating that pet shops "promote, at least four times a year, pet adoption of dogs or cats from a humane society or private or public animal shelter". This is another step too far.

SB 903 is also condescending in requiring pet store owners to "provide educational materials to a prospective dog or cat owner on (a) the responsibilities of owning a dog or cat" to their customers.

These bills attempt to punish the few remaining family pet shops in Virginia as if they are to blame for the high shelter numbers. This is unjustified. We also must acknowledge the fact that certain shelter numbers are higher BY CHOICE. Numerous facilities bring in animals FROM OTHER STATES. The numbers are reported on the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website. In 2022, there were 10,473 dogs and 5,819 cats that came into public and private animal shelters, humane societies, and other animal releasing agencies FROM OUT OF STATE. In 2023, a total of 8,926 dogs and 5,571 cats were acquired by these agencies from outside of Virginia. (The custody records for 2024 are not due until January 31, 2025.)

https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals-animal-custody-record-reports.shtml

There is obviously a demand for shelter pets and people already know where to get them. The government doesn't have to force a pet store to do something it doesn't want to do or treat the citizens of Virginia like children.

America is about choices and free enterprise. These bills go against everything America stands for. We hope the subcommittee votes against them.

Senator Bill Stanley Barbara Favola Stella Pekarsky

13/01/2025

ALERT FOR GROOMERS & BOARDING FACILITIES!

SB 1051 has been introduced into the General Assembly and the new language states, "Grooming or boarding establishments may be subject to inspection by animal control upon receipt of a complaint or their own motion to ensure compliance with state animal care laws and regulations."

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1051/text/SB1051

We're not sure why this language is being codified when animal control officers already act on complaints.

Both grooming facilities and boarding facilities have a certain openness with their clients due to the nature of the business. Their establishment and practices are already very visible. Customers determine whether they like what they see. If they don't feel comfortable with a practice or staff member, they can "shop with their feet" and take their pet elsewhere.

Who would take their dog to a terrible groomer? Who would return to an establishment if they observed someone mistreating a dog? What owner is going to board their beloved pet at a facility that is really below par?

We have concerns with this bill due to the current hostility in the State to animal owners and businesses and certain "bad actors" within the realm of law enforcement.

The bill also fails to clarify if the inspection has to be done during normal business hours.

It is noteworthy that year after year the General Assembly works to ensure the inspection of animal related businesses while rescues remain exempt from such scrutiny. The fact that they house animals does not draw the same level of attention and the double standard could not be more obvious.

If you are concerned about SB 1051 and what it could mean for your business, please let Senator Ebbin know:

(804) 698-7539

[email protected]

You can also find your representatives at the following link:

https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/

13/01/2025

DELEGATE MARTINEZ WANTS TO MAKE IT ILLEGAL TO OWN A PRIMATE--EVEN IF IT MEANS THEY WILL HAVE TO BE KILLED!

House Bill 1768 is already planning for the worst. It clearly states towards the end of the bill, "E. Nothing in this section shall be construed to: 1. Prevent a law-enforcement officer from humanely destroying a primate in compliance with federal and state law if, after reasonable efforts, no zoological or a primary sanctuary is willing and able to provide long-term care for the primate..."

The lack of feeling and empathy that is expressed in these words is truly appalling. Although the bill talks about sanctuaries and shelters, the truth is that the State has a horrible track record when it comes to seizing primates. History shows there is a very high probability that our primates will be traumatized and injured and then killed by the government.

This is not theory. This is fact.

The Animal Law Unit raided the zoo in Wi******er in August 2019. The memorandum we obtained through a FOIA request reveals Shenandoah Animal Control asked a wildlife rehabilitator to take the zoo's macaques. However, the rehabilitator was concerned that she did not have the proper facility to house them. What happened to the macaques? They never left the property. They were killed.

In December 2023 the Animal Law Unit raided the Natural Bridge Zoo. They decided to seize multiple primates. The raid team asked Lois Magill if she could take some of the primates to her horse farm. She told them she did not have a proper place for them.

Where are all these primate sanctuaries that Delegate Martinez is describing in his bill???

While at Natural Bridge Zoo the Animal Law Unit decided to seize Ted the gibbon. Dr. Dominguez testified that he and Sgt. Erin Brogan caught Ted (Brogan works for the Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office and is an investigator for the Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force). He also stated that he has training in capturing primates and that before a seizure happens he has to go step by step with Erin on how to capture them. In spite of his claim, it is obvious to everyone in the zoo community that he DOES NOT KNOW how to capture, handle, or transport a gibbon and neither does Sgt. Brogan.

The day of the raid, Gretchen and Timmy heard Ted screaming in terror and walked calmly but quickly towards his exhibit so as not to cause alarm. They could see the raid members screaming at each other--they all seemed to be in a state of panic--before being confronted by Amy Taylor of the Animal Law Unit (the same woman who was part of Jeffrey's confiscation) when they were still over 50 feet from Ted's enclosure. Amy grabbed Timmy's arm to stop him from walking any closer and had them escorted away by Virginia State Police. Gretchen and Timmy were told if they didn't go with the officer they were going to have a problem and it wouldn't go well for them. When Amy Taylor testified on the stand, she stated that two staff members were causing a disturbance and had to be escorted away. This was a lie.

When Dr. Dominguez was asked under oath about Ted crying, he coolly stated the gibbon vocalized. Ted later died at Metro Richmond Zoo.

Ted's treatment and death obviously had an effect on the jury. They awarded Ted back to the Mogensens, although he could never actually be returned.

The members of the jury did not get to hear from Gretchen Mogensen, but we have even more facts available to us from her news interview in December 2023. She stated at that time she saw a gibbon knocked down from a high enclosure (this would have been Ted--he was the only gibbon housed outside). She talked about the REBAR and BROOMS that were left stuck in the sides of primate enclosures. Gretchen also described the wire dog kennel (a collapsible dog crate) that she saw the raid team use to transport Ted and she explained why this is a horrible risk for a long-armed primate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY_RCE26LaQ

Ted was an innocent animal who was very content in his home. The greatest threat to his life, safety, and health was the Animal Law Unit when they appeared on the property under the blessing of PETA. Ted never deserved to be violently struck to the ground from the top of his giant enclosure. He didn't deserve to be held in a crate that was completely inappropriate for him and loaded onto a cold trailer in the dark of night. He did not understand the terror and assault he was subjected to and never recuperated. Dr. Cheryl Antonucci--who testified for the State of Virginia--admitted on the stand that stress could have played a factor in his death. What would she have thought if she had actually watched the terror he endured?

Ted's initial necropsy was performed by the KEEPERS at Metro Richmond Zoo while on FaceTime with a vet! This is completely unacceptable! The State's documents show that a necropsy was performed at a later date. We have no way of knowing if this is actually true. An independent necropsy was NEVER performed.

WHAT HAPPENED TO TED MUST NEVER BE REPEATED.

THE ANIMAL LAW UNIT MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND ABOLISHED.

CALL THE OFFICE OF DELEGATE MARTINEZ AND TELL HIM YOU OPPOSE HIS BILL:

(804) 698-1029

CALL YOUR DELEGATE AND TELL THEM TO VOTE AGAINST HOUSE BILL 1768:

https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/

12/01/2025

Please read this!!!

11/01/2025

PLEASE SPEAK UP FOR VIRGINIA'S ZOO OWNERS & THE ANIMALS THEY LOVE

Senate Bill 1125 is one of the worst bills to ever be introduced into the General Assembly in regards to animal ownership. It is discriminatory. It is clannish. It seeks to outlaw the birth of beautiful animals and is offensive to people who own and work for independent zoos. If you own a hybrid animal--whether you own a zoo or not--you will suddenly be under the radar of the government and the potential for harassment is real.

https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1017965.PDF

This legislation upholds the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries as an expert in the rearing of baby animals when this organization has clearly stated, "GFAS believes that a sanctuary should not engage in intentional captive breeding..."

THIS IDEOLOGY STANDS SQUARELY AGAINST ONE OF THE MAIN PURPOSES OF ZOOS!

This bill also panders to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as though independent zoo owners and keepers are ignorant and incompetent. This is a false narrative. Joining a club or attending a certain college should be a CHOICE in a free society. Such affiliations will never equate to practical experience, however, when it comes to handling an animal. It can't give you passion and it can't make you have a heart. Zoo owners and keepers that stay in the industry do so because it's in their blood. These animals give them purpose and fulfillment.

Learning how to tube feed, syringe feed, or bottle feed a baby animal is a skill you cannot learn from a book. Handling these delicate creatures requires techniques that can only be learned through countless hours, sleepless nights, and extreme dedication. The private sector excels at raising baby animals and their abilities should be recognized and applauded instead of denied and minimized. Their work should definitely not be outlawed or restricted with red tape!

What experts are being referred to in this bill? Is Darren Minier on the Senator's list? He is one of the Vice-Chairs for the AZA Animal Welfare Committee. He also works for PETA and the Animal Law Unit of Jason Miyares. He recently testified that they (the AZA accredited Oakland Zoo) elect to EUTHANIZE baby animals that have been rejected by their mothers. He said it is INHUMANE to allow animals to survive if they are rejected!!!

https://www.aza.org/animal_welfare_committee

THIS MENTALITY IS SICK AND HEARTLESS AND GOES AGAINST EVERYTHING A ZOO KEEPER STANDS FOR. YET DARREN HOLDS MULTIPLE DEGREES AND IS CONSIDERED AN EXPERT BY THE ANIMAL LAW UNIT.

HE OF ALL PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT ANIMALS HAVE A TREMENDOUS WILL TO LIVE.

THE ANIMALS OF VIRGINIA DESERVE TO BE PROTECTED FROM DARREN MINIER.

THEY DESERVE PROTECTION FROM THE CLAN KNOWN AS THE ANIMAL LAW UNIT.

PLEASE LET SENATOR BOYSKO KNOW YOU OPPOSE HER BILL:

(804) 698-7538

You can also send her an email:

[email protected]

Here is a link to the proposed legislation:

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1125

Thank you for your help!

11/01/2025

Please take a minute to call!

11/01/2025

When you see bill after bill being introduced into the General Assembly that are repeatedly hostile to animal owners and their animals, remember who is working behind the scenes in Virginia's government. We recently obtained the following job description for Karen Michelle Welch who directs the Animal Law Unit through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Part of her listed job description is, "To review legislation at GA time and off session".

We also have the statement of former Caroline County Commonwealth's Attorney Anthony Spencer who stated, "Michelle has... been the person most responsible for drafting changes to our animal laws to make them more effective."

If the goal is to outlaw animal ownership, then yes, she is being quite effective.

But if the goal of our legislators is to protect animals, they have failed in listening to Michelle.

There are some horrendous bills this session that must be stopped. We all were given a voice and it's time we use it. Please stand with VAOA. Let's remind Richmond they work for us.

(The top photo is taken directly from the Virginia Animal Control Association's page.)