Help Animal Owners Fight For Their Animals (VAOA)
Donation protected
Hello everyone! We are a group of animal owners who care about our animals and value our way of life. Several of our members own zoos, some own farms, and other members got involved because they love their family pets. We came together after learning that animal owners have been targeted in an unprecedented way in the state of Virginia. The current code has been on the books for years, but is now being eagerly enforced to the detriment of animal owners and their beloved animals. We started by trying to change things legislatively during the previous General Assembly session, but our due process bill was killed in subcommittee. We have been left no other choice, but to hire attorneys and fight for our animals in federal court.
What are we fighting for?
We are fighting for ALL of our animals. Our old animals have had good lives and should be able to live out their days in peace. When our animals get sick, it should be our decision what type of care they receive--the state should NOT be able to recklessly euthanize our animals without our consent. And if we want to rescue an animal that has had a hard life, that should also be our choice. Compassion should never be a liability.
It's hard to believe that this is even an issue, but the state of Virginia has been sliding down a slippery slope for a number of years. All it takes is one accusation and an animal owner's life can be destroyed forever. A man was convicted of cruelty because he did not euthanize the family dog fast enough when he had cancer. A woman who was on the board of her local SPCA was charged because she had a special needs dog with a skin condition. A farm school was raided and ultimately put out of business by an "anonymous" tip. Why isn't the state required to learn the facts about an animal's age or health before seizing or euthanizing it? Why are animal owners believed guilty until proven innocent?
Years ago, Virginia's legislature passed laws to REDEFINE animal neglect and cruelty. As a result, animal owners have effectively lost their rights. They have been stripped of their right to due process and lost their sense of security as guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment. Your animals are now the excuse used by the state to invade you AT ANY TIME. The law punishes animal owners for actions they might commit IN THE FUTURE. It has also stripped owners of their right to decide what is best for their animal (e.g. nutrition, enrichment, veterinary care, or euthanasia) while at the same time they are held liable for the feral cat on their property which they DO NOT own. Animal owners are repeatedly being treated like drug dealers as raid teams swoop into their homes, take their property, destroy their businesses, and deem them guilty until proven innocent.
Animals are also being harmed. They have lost their security and are being forced to endure the highly stressful situation of a raid. Sick animals have been ordered off veterinarian care, healthy animals have been carelessly euthanized, and many others have been transported to secret locations with only the claim that they are better off. We do not know how many have received actual homes verses those that have been given the "gift" of euthanasia.
We came together to form the Virginia Animal Owners Alliance after learning that radical groups OPPOSED to animal use and ownership have infiltrated our state agencies. We have now filed litigation in federal court to fight for change. What is happening in Virginia is quickly spreading to other states. If you love your pets, believe in agriculture, or simply want your kids and grandkids to be able to go to the zoo--please stand with us!
Your donation will help us continue to fight, continue to educate, and continue to advocate for both citizens and animals. Thank you so much for your support!
What are we fighting for?
We are fighting for ALL of our animals. Our old animals have had good lives and should be able to live out their days in peace. When our animals get sick, it should be our decision what type of care they receive--the state should NOT be able to recklessly euthanize our animals without our consent. And if we want to rescue an animal that has had a hard life, that should also be our choice. Compassion should never be a liability.
It's hard to believe that this is even an issue, but the state of Virginia has been sliding down a slippery slope for a number of years. All it takes is one accusation and an animal owner's life can be destroyed forever. A man was convicted of cruelty because he did not euthanize the family dog fast enough when he had cancer. A woman who was on the board of her local SPCA was charged because she had a special needs dog with a skin condition. A farm school was raided and ultimately put out of business by an "anonymous" tip. Why isn't the state required to learn the facts about an animal's age or health before seizing or euthanizing it? Why are animal owners believed guilty until proven innocent?
Years ago, Virginia's legislature passed laws to REDEFINE animal neglect and cruelty. As a result, animal owners have effectively lost their rights. They have been stripped of their right to due process and lost their sense of security as guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment. Your animals are now the excuse used by the state to invade you AT ANY TIME. The law punishes animal owners for actions they might commit IN THE FUTURE. It has also stripped owners of their right to decide what is best for their animal (e.g. nutrition, enrichment, veterinary care, or euthanasia) while at the same time they are held liable for the feral cat on their property which they DO NOT own. Animal owners are repeatedly being treated like drug dealers as raid teams swoop into their homes, take their property, destroy their businesses, and deem them guilty until proven innocent.
Animals are also being harmed. They have lost their security and are being forced to endure the highly stressful situation of a raid. Sick animals have been ordered off veterinarian care, healthy animals have been carelessly euthanized, and many others have been transported to secret locations with only the claim that they are better off. We do not know how many have received actual homes verses those that have been given the "gift" of euthanasia.
We came together to form the Virginia Animal Owners Alliance after learning that radical groups OPPOSED to animal use and ownership have infiltrated our state agencies. We have now filed litigation in federal court to fight for change. What is happening in Virginia is quickly spreading to other states. If you love your pets, believe in agriculture, or simply want your kids and grandkids to be able to go to the zoo--please stand with us!
Your donation will help us continue to fight, continue to educate, and continue to advocate for both citizens and animals. Thank you so much for your support!
Organizer
Heidi Crosky
Organizer
Max Meadows, VA