Virginia Assembly Passes PETA-Backed Animal Welfare Bills

Legislation aims to ban sale of newborn captive animals and stop crossbreeding

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Virginia General Assembly has passed a pair of PETA-backed animal welfare bills this week, aiming to ban the sale of newborn captive animals and stop crossbreeding. The House version was introduced by Del. Amy Laufer, while the Senate version came from Sen. Jennifer Boysko. The bills passed with bipartisan support, but the Virginia Animal Owners Alliance opposes the legislation, claiming it criminalizes standard care measures.

Why it matters

This legislation is seen as a major victory for animal welfare advocates, who have long criticized practices at unaccredited roadside zoos like the Natural Bridge Zoo in Rockbridge County. However, some animal owners argue the bills represent government overreach and an abuse of power.

The details

The House version of the bill, introduced by Del. Amy Laufer, passed the House on Tuesday by a vote of 71-27. The Senate version, introduced by Sen. Jennifer Boysko, passed the Senate on Monday, 26-14. The bills aim to eliminate the premature separation of captive mammalian animals from their mothers and prohibit their intentional hybridization.

  • The House version of the bill passed on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The Senate version of the bill passed on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Del. Amy Laufer

The Virginia state delegate who introduced the House version of the animal welfare bill.

Sen. Jennifer Boysko

The Virginia state senator who introduced the Senate version of the animal welfare bill.

Natural Bridge Zoo

A roadside zoo in Rockbridge County, Virginia that has been criticized by PETA for selling baby animals prematurely separated from their mothers.

Virginia Animal Owners Alliance

An organization that opposes the animal welfare legislation, claiming it criminalizes standard care measures and represents government overreach.

Daphna Nachminovitch

The PETA Senior Vice President who praised the legislation and urged Virginians to contact their legislators to support the bills.

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What they’re saying

“I am so proud to patron HB 112 and take a stance against irresponsible and unethical animal welfare practices. HB 112 will eliminate bad actors in this field and establish a clear foundation for proper animal care and treatment.”

— Del. Amy Laufer (PETA statement)

“We've been working for several years to stop the abuse and exploitation of animals in unaccredited zoo settings that sell babies for massive profits. My bill will prevent the premature separation of captive mammalian animals and prohibit their intentional hybridization.”

— Sen. Jennifer Boysko (PETA statement)

“At unaccredited roadside menageries like the Natural Bridge Zoo, infant animals are prematurely separated from their mothers when they're only days, weeks, or even hours old so that they can be sold off and shipped out. PETA thanks Senator Boysko and Delegate Laufer for leading the effort to ban this abhorrent practice and urges Virginians to contact their legislators and urge them to vote 'Yes' on protections for captive wild animals.”

— Daphna Nachminovitch, PETA Senior Vice President (PETA statement)

What’s next

Gov. Abigail Spanberger will decide whether to sign or veto the animal welfare bills passed by the Virginia General Assembly.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a significant victory for animal welfare advocates in Virginia, who have long pushed to end the exploitative practices of unaccredited roadside zoos. However, the debate over the bills' merits and potential overreach continues, underscoring the ongoing tensions between animal welfare and property rights.