The Virginia Senate has approved a measure that would keep a Norfolk-based animal rights group from carrying out euthanization of pets.
The measure is aimed at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and got an overwhelming vote of 33-to-5.
The measure amended a section of Virginia law that would define a private animal shelter as a facility operated for the purpose of finding permanent adoptive homes and facilitating other lifesaving outcomes for animals.
The legislation arose after animal lovers on the Eastern Shore urged officials in Accomac last year to prosecute two members of PETA.
They allegedly took a pet Chihuahua from the porch of her owners’ home in a mobile home park in Accomack County in October of last year.
The Accomack County Commonwealth Attorney decided against prosecuting the two because he found there was no criminal intent.
