SB707
Dogs; devocalization, penalty
Status:
In Senate
Latest Action:
Feb. 3, 2026
Senate: Rereferred to Finance and Appropriations
Chief Patron:
Danny Diggs (R)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. Devocalization of dogs; penalty.
Provides that it is unlawful for any person to perform or cause to be performed a surgical devocalization procedure on a dog except when (i) training or electronic barking control devices such as electronic collars have proven ineffective for such dog's excessive barking and (ii) it would be necessary for ... (More) such dog to be rehomed due to its excessive barking. Any violation of such provision is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and the second or any subsequent conviction for such violation during a 36-month period is a Class 6 felony. The bill also requires any licensed veterinarian who performs a surgical devocalization on a dog to keep a record of such procedure for a period of four years. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/14/2026 - Senate: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26105207D
- 01/14/2026 - Senate: Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
- 01/21/2026 - Senate: Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/21/2026 10:26 am)
- 01/23/2026 - Senate: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB707)
- 01/28/2026 - Senate: Senate subcommittee offered
- 02/03/2026 - Senate: Assigned HACNR sub: Companion Animals
- 02/03/2026 - Senate: Senate subcommittee offered
- 02/03/2026 - Senate: Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N)
- 02/03/2026 - Senate: Rereferred to Finance and Appropriations
