From animals sold through pet shops to nonhuman primates used in research and testing, Virginia lawmakers step up for animals in the 2025 legislative session

RICHMOND, Va. (April 23, 2025)—Today Humane World Action Fund, formerly called Humane Society Legislative Fund, released its 2025 Virginia Humane Scorecard. Now in its third consecutive year, the scorecard evaluates Virginia’s state lawmakers on their actions during the most recent legislative session to advance animal protection.

Released by the nation’s leading animal advocacy organization, the Virginia Humane Scorecard highlights bipartisan support for multiple pro-animal measures, including efforts to strengthen oversight of animal testing and animal care. Among the key wins in the 2025 legislative session were SB 907, which requires state-run testing facilities to consider releasing nonhuman primates no longer needed for research to certified sanctuaries, and SB 1127, which mandates that testing facilities and manufacturers publicly share essential records on their use of animals and compliance history.

“The Virginia Humane Scorecard gives voters a clear, powerful tool to hold lawmakers in Richmond accountable and advance real protections for animals,” said Cheryl Crowe, Virginia State Director at Humane World Action Fund. “From ending cruel testing practices to strengthening care standards for pets and nonhuman primates, Virginians have the chance this election to choose leaders who stand up for the most vulnerable animals in our communities.”

Nearly all Virginia Senators—36 in total—scored 86% or higher on the scorecard, with 19 Senators receiving a perfect score of 100%. Additionally, a majority of Virginia House members—53—received a perfect score. Only a small minority of 17 House members scored below 50%, reflecting strong overall support for animal protection legislation among Virginia state lawmakers in 2025.

About the scorecard

​The 2025 Virginia Humane Scorecard includes bills that were considered by the Virginia General Assembly. Humane World Action Fund only scores bills that receive roll-call votes to accurately reflect legislators’ actions. When reading the scorecard, a ✓ indicates a pro-animal action.

  • Pet Shop Violations and Reporting (SB 903): This bill strengthens regulations for Virginia pet shops by requiring annual registration with the Department of Agriculture, setting standards for animal care, and mandating unannounced inspections. It prohibits sales to research facilities, limits sourcing to licensed humane breeders and imposes financial penalties for violations. The bill also restricts employment of individuals with certain animal-related convictions and requires detailed recordkeeping. Sponsored by Sen. Bill Stanley (R-20).
  • Primate Sanctuary (SB 907): This bill requires Virginia state-run animal testing facilities to consider releasing nonhuman primates no longer needed for research to certified sanctuaries, in consultation with the facility’s attending veterinarian to ensure the animals’ welfare. Sponsored by Sen. Bill Stanley (R-20).
  • Boarding Facility Inspections (SB 1051/HB 2313): This bill directs the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to convene a work group, including the State Veterinarian and stakeholders, to assess the need for state licensing and regulations for animal boarding facilities. Findings must be reported to the legislature by December 1, 2026. Sponsored by Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-39) and Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-03).
  • Animal Testing Transparency (SB 1127): This bill requires Virginia animal testing facilities and manufacturers to publicly disclose key documents related to their use of animals and compliance history, including U.S. Department of Agriculture reports and inspection outcomes. Higher education institutions must also notify leadership of critical violations. These requirements do not apply to federally owned or controlled facilities or private veterinary practices. Sponsored by Sen. Bill Stanley (R-20) and Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-38).

Several pro-animal bills on the scorecard session did not become law, including SB 1125 to ban premature separation and hybrid breeding of captive wildlife (sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-38)) and SB 916 to review pet shop sales data (sponsored by Sen. Saddam Salim (D-37)).

As the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal protection, Humane World Action Fund publishes state legislative and congressional scorecards to track the relevant votes, co-sponsorships and other actions of lawmakers. These scorecards highlight which lawmakers are leading on animal protection, and which ones need greater pressure to act. Explore all our scorecards online at humaneaction.org/scorecard.

Media Contact: 
Liz Bartolomeo: ebartolomeo@humaneaction.org, 240-472-0475