Vermont
We strive to advance protections for wildlife, companion animals, and farmed animals in Vermont.
What We Do
Vermont is a state deeply rooted in its rural identity and full of caring people invested in their communities. We strive to be a conduit for all the Vermonters who believe animals should be treated humanely by advancing protections for all animals in and around Vermont’s communities — whether those animals are companions, farmed, or wild. To that end, we:
- Connect animal-welfare advocacy organizations and individuals across the state to engage collectively in the Vermont legislature for the protection of Vermont animals.
- Engage with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and Fish & Wildlife Board on proposed regulations and other actions to encourage the Fish & Wildlife to include more voices on behalf of animals.
- Encourage the public to participate in legislative and agency hearings that directly and indirectly impact animal protections.
- Educate the public and policymakers about pressing animal issues in the state.
- Foster relationships between animal advocates and other stakeholders.
- Inspire and educate the public about significant corporate impacts on animal welfare.
Together, we can make Vermont a leader in animal welfare!
Top Priorities
A variety of legislators are working to advance animal welfare issues and make sure that regulators recognize the importance of including the voices of people who care about the humane treatment of animals in their decision-making processes.
H.132 — An act relating to the taking of furbearers
Hunting furbearing animals — such as bobcats, coyotes, and foxes — over bait piles would be banned, preventing unfair and harmful hunting tactics. One of the most compelling reasons to support H.132 is that baiting leads to the traumatic killing of domestic dogs.
You can view and download our fact sheet. You can contact your legislator through our action alert.
H.4 — An act relating to standards for the care of egg-laying hens
To improve their welfare, this bill would prohibit confining egg-laying hens in spaces so small they cannot fully spread their wings without touching the enclosure or other hens.
H.14 — An act relating to prohibiting the use of animals in product testing
When alternative testing methods are available, using animals for product testing would no longer be allowed under this bill, promoting cruelty-free innovation.
H.166 — An act relating to establishing requirements for hunting with dogs
This legislation would establish basic requirements for hunting with dogs and training them for hunting, ensuring humane treatment and responsible practices.
H.230 — An act relating to the management of fish and wildlife
By increasing penalties for big game hunting violations, this bill aims to crack down on illegal and unethical practices in fish and wildlife management.
H.231 — An act relating to technical corrections to fish and wildlife statutes
Proposed updates to existing fish and wildlife statutes include tougher penalties for the illegal use of animal snares, helping to protect vulnerable species.
S.38 — An act relating to conserving habitat corridors and wildlife crossings
To support habitat conservation, this bill would direct the Secretary of National Resources to fund and maintain habitat corridors and wildlife crossings, allowing animals to move safely through human-developed areas.
Ways to Take Action Now
- Meet with your state legislator(s) and let them know that animal issues are a high priority for you as their constituent. If you’re unfamiliar with who your legislators are, you can find them here by searching for your town.
- Bring these issues to the attention of your neighbors by posting educational information on social media, raising the issue of animal protection at meetings, or talking to your friends about issues like domestic dogs being lured to bait piles and shot by hunters. Many Vermonters are not aware of what happens to animals in our state, and you have the power to create meaningful change in your community!
- Submit letters about animal protection issues to your local newspapers. These can be very effective tools to inform the public about animal issues.
- Please donate to our Vermont-related causes here or to our national campaigns here.
