RICHMOND VA: (Rocktown Now) – Virginia lawmakers are considering legislation that would require hunters who use dogs to obtain a permit from the Department of Wildlife Resources, a move supporters say would help address longstanding property‑rights concerns.
The proposal would bar hunters from releasing dogs onto private land without written permission from the property owner. During a recent House committee hearing, farmer Jim Medaros, speaking on behalf of the Virginia Property Rights Alliance, urged lawmakers to advance the measure.
“We appreciate all the work the committee has done,” Medaros said. “We are very grateful for those who have helped to make this bill move forward and find a solution to this problem of the presence of unwanted hounds where they’re not desired.”
Opponents warn the bill could burden hunters who rely on multiple dogs, potentially threatening their livelihoods and a longstanding rural tradition.
The House approved the bill on a largely party‑line vote. It now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration.