Vermont Overview – 2024 Session
VERMONT
Legislative Overview – 2023-24 Session
(Adjourned on May 10, 2024)
7 pet related items were proposed during the 2023-24 legislative session, 6 of which were designated as priority by the Pet Advocacy Network.
Final Disposition of Priority ISSUES:
| BILL # | SUMMARY | FINAL DISPOSITION |
| HB 407 | Animal Cruelty – Pet Ownership Prohibition: Amends Title 13 (Crimes & Criminal Procedures), Chapter 8 (Humane & Proper Treatment of Animals), Section 353 (Degree of Offense; Sentencing Upon Conviction) of Vermont Statutes Annotated to allow courts the discretion to place restrictions on people convicted of animal cruelty offenses regarding their future ownership interest in animals. | DIED IN COMMITTEE (MISSED CROSSOVER DEADLINE) |
| HB 567 | Statewide Pet Sale Ban: Amends Title 20 (Internal Security & Public Safety), Chapter 194 (Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals) of Vermont Statutes Annotated by adding a new Subchapter 4 (Prohibiting Sale by Pet Shop), Section 3931 (Sale of Dogs, Cats and Wolf-Hybrids by Pet Shop; Prohibited) to prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet shops. | SUBSTITUTED BY SB 301 |
| HB 597 | Reptile/Amphibian Sale & Possession Restrictions: Amends Title 10 (Conservation & Development), Chapters 103 (Department of Fish & Wildlife) and 113 (Game) of Vermont Statutes Annotated to: (1) Authorize the Commissioner of Fish & Wildlife to regulate the sale or possession of reptiles and amphibians in the State; and (2) Add reptiles and amphibians to current wildlife importation and possession restrictions. | DIED IN COMMITTEE (MISSED CROSSOVER DEADLINE) |
| HB 626 | Establishment of Division of Animal Welfare: Amends Title 20 (Internal Security & Public Safety) of Vermont Statutes Annotated by adding a new Chapter 190 (Division of Animal Welfare) to establish the Division of Animal Welfare within the Department of Public Safety to develop, implement, and administer a centralized program for investigating and enforcing animal welfare requirements in the State. | ENACTED (EFFECTIVE ON 1/1/25) |
| SB 292 | Animal Welfare Advisory Council/Shelter and Pet Dealer Standards: Amends Title 20 (Internal Security & Public Safety) of Vermont Statutes Annotated by adding new Chapters 190 (Division of Animal Welfare) and 200 (Placement of Animals) to: (1) Establish the Division of Animal Welfare at the Department of Public Safety to develop, implement, and administer a centralized program for investigating and enforcing animal welfare requirements in the State; (2) Establish an Animal Welfare Advisory Council; (3) Amend or establish standards for the operation of animal shelters, animal rescue organizations, pet dealers and pet shops; and (4) Amend or establish requirements for the importation or transportation of animals into the State. | DIED IN COMMITTEE (MISSED CROSSOVER DEADLINE) |
| SB 301 | Omnibus Agriculture Appropriations Bill/Statewide Pet Sale Ban): Relates to miscellaneous agricultural subjects (amended to include HB 567 – statewide pet sale ban). | ENACTED (EFFECTIVE ON 7/1/24) |
View ALL Vermont legislation tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2023-24 session.
View ALL local ordinances tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2024 session.
View ALL federal and state issues tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2023-24 session.