Spanberger Faces Questions After Voting Rights Certificate Is Issued to Dead Dog

A Virginia lawmaker is demanding an independent investigation after a deceased family dog apparently received an official certificate restoring voting and jury-service rights, raising questions about the screening process under Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

According to Fox News, Del. Tom Garrett, R-Buckingham, said a constituent recently contacted him after receiving a restoration certificate bearing the name of Biscuit Rigsby, a beagle-hound mix from Goochland County who died approximately five years ago.

The unusual discovery comes on the heels of the "Betty No Last Name" controversy in Chesapeake, involving a purported felon whose voting rights were reportedly restored despite questions about her identity. The incidents have prompted fresh scrutiny of Spanberger's administration as Virginians prepare to vote on a proposal that would make voting-rights restoration automatic for released felons.

Garrett said the document raises serious concerns about whether the governor's office is properly verifying the individuals receiving restored rights.

"This is not a question of whether people who have served their sentences deserve a second chance. This is a question of whether the Commonwealth is exercising one of the Governor’s constitutional powers with even the most basic level of review," Garrett said.

Biscuit's owner, who asked to remain anonymous because of potential political backlash, confirmed the certificate's authenticity to Fox News Digital. The owner described Biscuit as a beloved pet who had no criminal history.

"To my knowledge, she was never convicted of a felony, nor did she ever show any interest in voting," the owner said.

A spokesperson for Spanberger rejected the suggestion that the administration had restored a dog's rights, saying the certificate was associated with an individual who had a date of birth and Social Security number. The spokesperson added that the office could not disclose that person's information.

The owner disputed the explanation, saying Biscuit had never been taken to an animal shelter or had any other interaction with state officials that could explain the document.