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SB707Introduced in the Senate

Dogs; devocalization, prohibited, exception, penalty.

Passed

Introduced by Danny Diggs, District 24

What does this bill do?

Plain-English breakdown

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Official description

Devocalization of dogs prohibited. Makes it unlawful for any person engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine to perform a surgical devocalization procedure on a dog, except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm.

Where it stands

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0829)

April 13, 2026

How did lawmakers vote?

House of Delegates votes

2 recorded votes · each counted separately

Senate votes

5 recorded votes · each counted separately

House of DelegatesStage: Passed House (89-Y 10-N 0-A) · March 2, 2026

89

Yes

10

No

0

Absent or Not Voting

99 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.

See how each delegate voted

DelegateDistrictVote
Patrick Hope1Yes
Adele McClure2Yes
Alfonso Lopez3Yes
Charniele Herring4Yes
Kirk McPike5Yes
Richard Sullivan6Yes
Karen Keys-Gamarra7Yes
Irene Shin8Yes
Karrie Delaney9Yes
Dan Helmer10Yes

Bill history

  1. Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26105207D

  2. Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources

  3. Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/21/2026 10:26 am)

  4. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB707)

  5. Senate subcommittee offered

  6. Assigned HACNR sub: Companion Animals

  7. Senate subcommittee offered

  8. Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N)

  9. Committee substitute printed 26105721D-S1

  10. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB707)

  11. Reported from Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)

  12. Rules suspended

  13. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

  14. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

  15. Read second time

  16. Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Substitute agreed to

  17. Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute Block Vote (Voice Vote)

  18. Rules suspended

  19. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 3rd reading) (38-Y 0-N 0-A)

  20. Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote (38-Y 0-N 0-A)

  21. Placed on Calendar

  22. Read first time

  23. Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources

  24. Reported from Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources (19-Y 3-N)

  25. Read second time

  26. Read third time

  27. Passed House (89-Y 10-N 0-A)

  28. Enrolled

  29. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB707ER)

  30. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB707)

  31. Signed by Speaker

  32. Signed by President

  33. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

  34. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

  35. Approved by Governor-Chapter 829 (effective 7/1/2026)

  36. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0829)

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