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For Release: November 24, 2008
Contact: David Clementson
Email: dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071

Richmond SPCA Pays Surprise Visit to
Attorney General’s Office

Congratulate Attorney General McDonnell for Winning 2008 Humane Law Enforcement Award for his Anti-Animal Fighting Legislation

Visitors Included Nemo, a Pit Bull who is the Richmond SPCA’s 2008-2009 Mascot

RICHMOND - Some surprise visitors paid a visit to the 6th floor office of Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell this morning.

Richmond SPCA Chief Executive Officer Robin Robertson Starr; Waggles, the Richmond SPCA “Spokesdog;” Nemo, a Pit Bull who is the Richmond SPCA’s mascot; and a volunteer costumed as a chicken all showed up to congratulate Attorney General McDonnell and his office for being awarded the 2008 Humane Law Enforcement Award, presented by The Humane Society of the United States.

McDonnell received the award for his successful animal fighting legislation, passed during the 2008 session of the General Assembly. That legislation, patroned by Sen. Tommy Norment (R-Williamsburg) and Del. Morgan Griffith (R-Salem), significantly strengthened Virginia’s animal fighting laws.

The legislation:

• Provides that engaging in the fighting of any animals is a Class 1 misdemeanor, while dog fighting remains a Class 6 felony. Lawful hunting or farming activities are excluded.
• Makes possession of any materials intended to enhance the ability of animals to fight, permitting a minor to become involved in animal fighting, or wagering on animal fighting a Class 6 felony.
• Mandates that animals involved in any such cases may be forfeited to the locality in order to receive humane care. Owners may post bond to retain ownership interest and repossess the animals if the court issues a finding of not guilty.
• Allows law-enforcement officers to conduct searches at any time upon the issuance of warrants. Law enforcement officers were often limited to conducting searches during the day, greatly limiting their ability to stop animal fighting operations.

The Office of Attorney General Bob McDonnell was one of five recipients nationwide of the 2008 Humane Law Enforcement Award. The others were San Bernardino County, CA; Hickman County, TN; Pima County, Arizona; and Prentiss County, Mississippi.

Click here to learn more about the Richmond SPCA.