Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - City leaders have proposed an amendment to the city’s animal cruelty code as part of a push to bolster protections for animals.
The proposed amendment to a code concerning animal cruelty is scheduled to be discussed by the Public Safety Standing Committee on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. at City Hall.
Officials are aiming to amend the existing code in order to bar individuals convicted of animal cruelty from owning another animal for a minimum of five years.
The amendment would bring Richmond’s regulations in line with current state law, which states that individuals convicted of felony animal cruelty can be banned from animal ownership for life while those found guilty of misdemeanor animal cruelty face a ban of up to five years.
If the committee approves the proposal being discussed today, it will move forward to City Council for further consideration on Oct. 1.
Under the amendment, Richmond Animal Care and Control would be permitted to implement the best practices in safeguarding animals and holding residents accountable.