Tommie’s Law

A dog who suffered a horrific and exceptionally cruel death inspired lasting change to Virginia’s animal cruelty laws. His name was Tommie. In February 2019, Tommie was tied to a pole and set on fire, suffering extensive burns across his body and fighting for five days before succumbing to his injuries.

Under Virginia law at the time, a felony animal cruelty charge could not be brought unless the animal died, leaving a dangerous gap in accountability. Tommie’s Law was created to close that gap by making certain acts of cruelty a felony regardless of whether the animal survives. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Sponsored by Sen. Bill DeSteph (R–Virginia Beach), the law strengthened penalties for cruelty and gave law enforcement and prosecutors clearer authority to act sooner. “[T]he crime matches the penalty. Not whether the dog lives or dies — the act of maliciously wounding or torturing a dog is the felony.” :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

What Tommie’s Law Does

• Strengthens legal definitions of animal cruelty and neglect
• Improves law enforcement and prosecutorial authority in serious abuse cases
• Allows animals to be protected sooner, before suffering escalates or becomes fatal
• Reinforces accountability for abusers under Virginia law

Why This Matters

Tommie’s Law represents a meaningful shift toward stronger protections for dogs and cats and affirms that animal cruelty must be treated as a serious crime—not a minor offense dependent on whether an animal survives. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Sources & Citations

Prince George County announcement (history & enactment)

‘Tommie’s Law,’ makes animal cruelty felony charge in Virginia

WHSV coverage (law signing details)

Virginia governor signs Tommie’s Law, felony animal cruelty

State statute (context on cruelty and penalty)

Virginia Code § 3.2-6570 — Cruelty to animals; penalty (overview)