Panel backs bill directing Cooperative Extension to publish list of plants toxic to pets

A House subcommittee on Thursday referred HB 1016 to the Appropriations Committee after hearing testimony about implementation needs for a state list of household plants toxic to cats and dogs.

Delegate Trent, sponsor of the bill, said the measure would direct Virginia Cooperative Extension to create and maintain a list of common household plants that are toxic to cats and dogs, and require VDACS to host the list on its website by Nov. 1. "This helps us, because so many Virginians rely on a Virginia institution that we trust," the sponsor said, arguing the list would use science‑based information to protect pets and households.

Supporters including Cheryl Crow of Humane World for Animals and Daphna Ekmanovich of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals emphasized public‑health benefits and the potential to reduce emergency vet visits. Elizabeth Huber from Virginia Tech said the university had no formal position but noted a fiscal impact: compiling and maintaining an authoritative list likely requires staff time or a small FTE to ensure scientific rigor.

VDACS staff indicated the agency could host the list once produced. Because of the fiscal impact testimony, the committee voted to refer HB 1016 to appropriations (committee vote recorded 9–1).