01/31/2026
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📣 Important Update for Vermont Animal Welfare
The Director of Animal Welfare, Lisa Milot, has officially delivered a groundbreaking report to the Vermont Legislature — and it outlines major gaps, urgent needs, and a roadmap for fixing our broken animal-welfare system.
Lisa presented an overview of the plan directly to the VT House Committee on Government Operations & Military Affairs, walking lawmakers through the realities Vermonters, ACOs, rescues, and law enforcement face every day.
🔥 What the Report Confirms
Vermont’s system is fragmented, outdated, and under-resourced, leaving many animals without meaningful protection. The report highlights issues including:
• unclear minimum care standards
• inconsistent enforcement and reporting
• lack of statewide oversight for breeding & rescue imports
• almost no capacity to house seized animals
• nonprofits carrying massive financial burdens
• limited access to veterinary care, especially in rural areas
🐾 What the Plan Proposes
Lisa Milot outlines a modern, humane, prevention-first model for Vermont, including:
✔️ updated, clear minimum care standards
✔️ expanded access to affordable vet care & spay/neuter
✔️ emergency/temporary pet sheltering for people in crisis
✔️ regional Animal Cruelty Response Units (ACRUs)
✔️ stronger civil enforcement tools
✔️ short-term holding spaces for seized animals
✔️ sustainable funding through existing fee structures — not new taxes
Why It Matters
This is the most comprehensive animal-welfare plan Vermont has ever had.
It finally gives lawmakers the roadmap needed to:
✅ prevent neglect before it becomes cruelty
✅ protect animals AND the people who depend on them
✅ support ACOs, shelters, and rescues with real structure
✅ modernize a system that hasn’t been updated in decades
VAACA will continue following this closely and sharing updates as the Legislature begins reviewing recommendations. Vermont animals deserve a system that protects them — and this report is a major step forward. 💙🐾
🎥 Watch her full committee presentation here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/UPg7MWMbe34?si=kbRZJxsNRID8KmIA
📄 Read the full report here:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/assets/Legislative-Reports/Division-of-Animal-Welfare_Comprehensive-Plan.pdf
