The Volunteer Humane Investigator Program was extremely valuable to Virginia in that it alleviated much cruelty, freed up ACO's, cost practically nothing and cut down on law-breaking.  This is exactly the type of program the funding-strapped state of Virginia needs.  ACO's seldom have the time or funds to perform all their regular duties and are thus rarely able to take on the sort of investigative work done by HI's.  Such work is sorely needed though, as shown by last year's Michael Vick and Campbell County puppy mill cases.  Trained volunteer humane investigators are an enormous asset to any Virginia community and I urge you to do what is necessary to reinstate this vital program statewide.