Vermont

We strive to advance protections for wildlife, companion animals, and farmed animals in Vermont.

What We Do​

We strive to advance protections for wildlife, companion animals, and farmed animals in Vermont. We also work to educate and empower the public to address significant animal welfare issues in the state. To that end, we:

  • Inspire and educate the public about significant corporate impacts on animal welfare.
  • Attend key public meetings.
  • Participate in educational tabling events.
  • Attend and provide essential public comments to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and Fish & Wildlife Board on proposed regulations.
  • Educate the public and policymakers about pressing animal issues in the state.
  • Connect animal advocates in the state and foster relationships between stakeholders.
Top Legislative Priorities

In 2024, we will be working closely with legislators, supporters, and advocates to support bills that ban recreational trapping, the sale of kangaroo body parts, and the hunting of bears and coyotes with dogs in the state. We also will be working on a local level to pass legislation to protect companion animals and educate Vermonters about farmed animal issues.

  • S.258 will transfer the rulemaking authority for taking fish, wildlife, and fur-bearing animals from the all-volunteer, uncredentialed Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. The bill proposes new standards for appointing Board members and additional educational requirements while also prohibiting the hunting of coyotes with dogs and the baiting of coyotes. Read our fact sheet on the bill here.
  • H.597 addresses the collection, sale, and possession of wildlife, particularly reptiles and amphibians. It also proposes to restrict the sale of internal organs, including gallbladders and paws, from black bears legally killed in the state. Read our fact sheet on the issue here.
  • H.626 authorizes a new Director of Animal Welfare position within the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to oversee and support animal cruelty investigations statewide, consolidating resources and streamlining response protocols.
  • H.812 expands protections for threatened and endangered species in the state and the critical habitats that support these species.
  • H.191/S.111 seeks to end the trapping of fur-bearing mammals in Vermont for recreation or commerce in fur. Read our op-ed about otter trapping in VTDigger here.
  • S.272 puts additional restrictions on the use of harmful second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in Vermont.
  • H.323 will prohibit the hunting of bears or coyotes with dogs. Read our op-ed in VT Digger on bear hounding here.
  • H.459 will prohibit the trade of kangaroo parts in Vermont. Read more about the bill here.
  • H.485 will ban leghold traps used to kill or attempt to kill wildlife in Vermont.
  • H.524 proposes the prohibition of testing certain cosmetic products and ingredients on animals.
  • H.567 seeks to prohibit a pet shop in Vermont from selling dogs, cats, or wolf-hybrids, unless the pet shop provides space to an animal shelter or rescue organization offering dogs, cats, or wolf-hybrids to the public for adoption.

Ways to Take Action Now

  • Urge your state representatives to support these critical animal protection bills with our quick and easy action alert below.
Stop Coyote Hounding in Vermont Today!
  • Consider meeting 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 name or by the town they represent. Bob would be happy to join you at the meeting or help answer any questions you may have.

  • Follow Animal Wellness Action Vermont’s Facebook page to stay up to date on important meetings, public events, and other animal news in Vermont.

  • Bring these issues to the attention of your neighbors by posting educational information on Front Porch Forum, raising the issue of animal protection at your next Selectboard meeting, or talking to your friends about trapping at the Farmer’s Market. 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!
  • Please donate to our Vermont-related causes here or to our national campaigns here.

Take a few minutes to watch our brief video below that covers important parts of the Vermont Legislature’s website like figuring out who your state legislators are, finding animal bills up for discussion this year, and monitoring key committees where animal legislation is being considered.

Our State Director

In February 2023, Animal Wellness Action made an extraordinary investment in Vermont by hiring Bob Galvin, MS, to be director of the organization’s efforts in the state.

Bob was brought in to substantially move the needle on animal protection issues throughout the Green Mountain State. Bob has a B.S. in Marine Biology and a M.S. in Biology, and has worked on wildlife research projects throughout the United States. He also has experience coordinating large volunteer databases and providing support for grassroots organizers, and has the skills and dedication needed to make tangible change for animals in Vermont.

Want to learn more or get involved with Animal Wellness Action Vermont? Email bgalvin@animalwellnessaction.org