From Chewy to Change:
Virginia’s Roadmap for Animal Protection
By Bob Tubbs, Founder/Advocate, Virginia Animal Protection Group
Who We Are
The Virginia Animal Protection Group (VAPG) is dedicated to building a stronger, more compassionate Commonwealth for animals and the people who care about them. Our mission spans legislation, education, recognition, and community partnerships — uniting voices across farms, shelters, courtrooms, classrooms, and neighborhoods.
Chewy’s Legacy
In past newsletters, many of you have followed Chewy’s story. He was a beloved family dog whose life ended under circumstances that should never happen in Virginia. After his tragic death, Animal Control did not even take custody of him until after he was gone — a breakdown in procedure that speaks to systemic gaps in protection and accountability.
In Chewy’s name, we have engaged the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), connected with legal experts, and pressed officials for answers. Chewy’s story is no longer just a tragedy — it has become a catalyst for reform, demanding stronger oversight, transparency, and compassion in how Virginia handles its animals.
🔔 Be on the lookout: On October 7th, we are scheduled to deliver public comment before the Virginia Beach Mayor and his Board to ensure Chewy’s story fuels change statewide.
The Governor’s Proposal
Last month, we shared our vision for a Governor’s Animal Advisory Committee directly with the administration. This statewide body would unite agencies, legislators, and advocates to set Virginia’s priorities for animal protection, workforce needs, and welfare funding.
Key leaders already engaged include Secretary of Agriculture Matt Lohr, State Veterinarian Dr. Charles Broaddus, and Governor’s Project Manager Josie Rao, each bringing expertise in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental science. We also held an important conversation with Dr. Kira Allmann, raising the possibility of making this initiative a JCOTS (Joint Commission on Technology & Science) pilot project — connecting animal welfare with the Governor’s broader AI jobs initiative.
📂 Subscriber Bonus: We are making the full Governor’s proposal presentation available exclusively to our Substack readers.
⏱️ Why now? Waiting another year would mean missed opportunities. With elections on the horizon and budget planning already underway, this is the critical moment to advance proposals that connect animal welfare to jobs, education, and innovation.
Recognition and Community Wins
At the November 2025 meeting of the James City County Board of Supervisors, local heroes will be formally recognized for saving the lives of Molly Haskins and her son after last year’s road rage shooting.
Our role has been to work hand-in-hand with Molly and county leaders to draft the recognition package, request Busch Gardens for family tickets, and prepare a draft proclamation and presentation materials. The Board’s recognition will highlight the bravery of EMTs, neighbors, and especially the teenagers who acted decisively in the chaos.
This project is a reminder that protecting animals and protecting people are connected — both require strong, compassionate communities.
Critical Legislation in Motion
Our legislative agenda now includes more than 35 proposals, but here are the ones we’re spotlighting this fall:
Growth Fund Model – reinvesting state revenues into shelters, vet schools, and animal welfare infrastructure.
Tax Credits and Breaks – easing the cost burden for families, farmers, and nonprofits caring for animals.
Tuition Assistance – providing scholarships and loan relief to future veterinarians and animal control officers.
Judicial & Veterinary Wellness Programs – expanded to cover shelter workers, farmers, law enforcement, and wildlife rehabbers.
📂 Subscriber Bonus: We are making the draft legislative language for these proposals available to readers of this newsletter.
💡 Why Wellness Matters: Veterinarians now rank third among all professions for suicide risk. Addressing this crisis — and extending support to shelter staff, ACOs, farmers, and wildlife rehabbers — is one of the most humane and urgent actions we can take.
Kids, Cats, and K9s: A Call to Schools
The Kids, Cats, and K9s program has already shown how powerful children can be in shaping compassion. Second-graders writing adoption bios, classrooms visiting shelters, and mascot competitions are bringing joy and visibility to animals waiting for homes.
Now we want to take the program statewide. We are calling on teachers, PTAs, and school boards across Virginia to bring Kids, Cats, and K9s to their classrooms. This program is not only about animals — it’s about raising the next generation of caring, responsible leaders.
Virginia Animal Protection Group: Progress in Motion
The Virginia Animal Protection Group (VAPG) is gaining traction:
Legislator guidebooks are rolling out across House and Senate districts, giving policymakers data on shelters, rescues, farms, sanctuaries, and wildlife.
Community recognition projects are lifting up local heroes and tying animal welfare to public safety and human compassion.
National partnerships are growing, with great conversations underway with Best Friends Animal Society.
Agricultural dialogue has begun with the Virginia Farm Bureau, helping bridge farm and welfare priorities.
Advocacy tools are advancing thanks to the leadership of Leslie Utley, who provides technical resources powering VAPG’s digital platforms.
And we’ll take a bow here — because all of this has become possible thanks to the integration of AI tools (like Scout!) that make the work easier, faster, and more connected than ever.
Numbers That Matter
70% of shelter animal care in Virginia is taxpayer funded.
38,995 farms span more than 7 million acres in our state.
In 2024–25, 83% of Delegates and 93% of Senators voted favorably for animal welfare legislation.
These aren’t just numbers — they show that animal protection is central to Virginia’s economy, communities, and politics.
Legislator Engagement
Our personalized legislator guidebooks are already in the hands of several Senators and Delegates, and early feedback has been encouraging. If you would like your representative to receive theirs, let us know — we will make sure they are equipped with the facts and stories from your district.
A Personal Note
This work is exhausting at times. But every recognition ceremony, every legislative draft, every child who writes an adoption story for a shelter pet reminds me why we keep pushing. Virginia is ready to lead — and I want you to know that every subscriber here is part of that change.
Call to Action
Forward this newsletter to a school principal or PTA about Kids, Cats, and K9s.
Share Chewy’s story on social media to keep awareness alive.
Contact your legislator about the Growth Fund, tax breaks, or wellness proposals.
Encourage friends and family to subscribe so they can stay informed and engaged.
Together, we can keep building — through laws, community, and the compassion that connects us all.
Bob Tubbs
Founder/Advocate, Virginia Animal Protection Group
2023 Recipient of the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Compassion in Action Award
VA SCC ID: 11764024 | EIN: 33-1740935
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