Approval of this petition will add consistency to the various record keeping currently part of the code of Virginia.

Public shelters are required to keep records for 30 days.  Private shelters are required to send descriptions to the public shelter.  Agencies other than public or private shelters keep records for 2 years AND submit a summary of those records annually.  Animal control officers have record data that must be kept for 5 years.  (code citations:     3.2-6546; 3.2-6548; 3.26549; 3.2-6557 )

Record keeping  assures citizens of the quality of care given to animals,  assures taxpayers and/or donors of the effective use of government funds and/or donations,  assures concerned organizations of appropriate care given to animals.

Record keeping need not be burdensome if standard forms or computer spreadsheets are used.

Information is ALWAYS important.   Please approve this petition