reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6551. Notification by individuals finding companion animals; penalty

A. Any individual who finds a companion animal and (i) provides care or safekeeping or (ii) retains the companion animal in such a manner as to control its activities shall within 48 hours:
1. Make a reasonable attempt to notify the owner of the companion animal if the owner can be ascertained from any tag, license, collar, tattoo, or other form of identification or markings or if the owner of the animal is otherwise known to the individual; and
2. Notify the public animal shelter that serves the locality where the companion animal was found and provide to the shelter contact information, including at least a name and a contact telephone number, a description of the animal, including information from any tag, license, collar, tattoo, or other identification or markings, and the location where the companion animal was found.
B. If an individual finds a companion animal and (i) provides care or safekeeping or (ii) retains the companion animal in such a manner as to control its activities, the individual shall comply with the provisions of § 3.2-6503.
C. Any individual who violates this section may be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $50 per companion animal.
2003, c. 1007, § 3.1-796.96:7; 2008, c. 860; 2014, c. 148.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6553. Compensation for livestock and poultry killed by dogs

Any person who has any livestock or poultry killed or injured by any dog not his own shall be entitled to receive as compensation the fair market value of such livestock or poultry not to exceed $750 per animal or $10 per fowl if (i) the claimant has furnished evidence within 60 days of discovery of the quantity and value of the dead or injured livestock and the reasons the claimant believes that death or injury was caused by a dog; (ii) the animal control officer or other officer shall have been notified of the incident within 72 hours of its discovery; and (iii) the claimant first has exhausted his legal remedies against the owner, if known, of the dog doing the damage for which compensation under this section is sought. Exhaustion shall mean a judgment against the owner of the dog upon which an execution has been returned unsatisfied.
Local jurisdictions may by ordinance waive the requirements of clause (ii) or (iii) or both provided that the ordinance adopted requires that the animal control officer has conducted an investigation and that his investigation supports the claim. Upon payment under this section, the local governing body shall be subrogated to the extent of compensation paid to the right of action to the owner of the livestock or poultry against the owner of the dog and may enforce the same in an appropriate action at law.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.87; 1986, c. 108; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.118; 1992, c. 461; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860; 2014, cc. 116, 160.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6554. Disposal of dead companion animals

The owner of any companion animal shall forthwith cremate, bury, or sanitarily dispose of the animal upon its death. If, after notice, any owner fails to do so, the animal control officer or other officer shall bury or cremate the companion animal, and he may recover on behalf of the local jurisdiction from the owner his cost for this service.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.90; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.121; 1993, c. 174; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6555. Position of animal control officer created

The governing body of each county or city shall, or each town may, employ an officer to be known as the animal control officer who shall have the power to enforce this chapter, all ordinances enacted pursuant to this chapter and all laws for the protection of domestic animals. The governing body may also employ one or more deputy animal control officers to assist the animal control officer in the performance of his duties. Animal control officers and deputy animal control officers shall have knowledge of the animal control and protection laws of the Commonwealth that they are required to enforce. When in uniform or upon displaying a badge or other credentials of office, animal control officers and deputy animal control officers shall have the power to issue a summons or obtain a felony warrant as necessary, providing the execution of such warrant shall be carried out by any law-enforcement officer as defined in § 9.1-101, to any person found in the act of violating any such law or any ordinance enacted pursuant to such law of the locality where the animal control officer or deputy animal control officer is employed. Commercial dog breeding locations shall be subject to inspection by animal control at least twice annually and additionally upon receipt of a complaint or their own motion to ensure compliance with state animal care laws and regulations. The animal control officer and the deputy animal control officers shall be paid as the governing body of each locality shall prescribe.
Any locality where an animal control officer or deputy animal control officers have been employed may contract with one or more additional localities for enforcement of animal protection and control laws by the animal control officers or deputy animal control officers. Any such contract may provide that the locality employing the animal control officer or deputy animal control officers shall be reimbursed a portion of the salary and expenses of the animal control officer or deputy animal control officers.
Every locality employing an animal control officer shall submit to the State Veterinarian, on a form provided by him, information concerning the employment and training status of the animal control officers employed by the locality. The State Veterinarian may require that the locality notify him of any change in such information.
1984, cc. 254, 492, § 29-213.73; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.104; 1998, c. 817; 2003, c. 804; 2004, c. 181; 2008, cc. 852, 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6556. Training of animal control officers

A. Every locality employing animal control officers shall require that every animal control officer and deputy animal control officer completes the following training:
1. A basic animal control course that has been approved by the State Veterinarian. The basic animal control course shall include training in recognizing suspected child abuse and neglect and information on how complaints may be filed and shall be approved and implemented. Any animal control officer hired on or after July 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2017, shall complete the basic animal control course within two years from the date of hire. Any animal control officer hired on or after July 1, 2017, shall complete the basic animal control course within one year from the date of hire or within two years if the officer is attending a law-enforcement academy; and
2. Every three years, additional training approved by the State Veterinarian, 15 hours of which shall be training in animal control and protection.
The State Veterinarian shall develop criteria to be used in approving training courses and shall provide an opportunity for public comment on proposed criteria before the final criteria are adopted.
Subdivision 1 shall not apply to animal control officers or deputy animal control officers hired before July 1, 1998. The State Veterinarian may grant exemptions from the requirements of subdivision 1 to animal control officers hired on or after July 1, 1998, based on the animal control officer's previous training.
The State Veterinarian shall work to ensure the availability of these training courses through regional criminal justice training academies or other entities as approved by him. Based on information provided by authorized training entities, the State Veterinarian shall maintain the training records for all animal control officers for the purpose of documenting and ensuring that they are in compliance with this subsection.
B. Upon cause shown by a locality, the State Veterinarian may grant additional time during which the training required by subsection A may be completed by an animal control officer for the locality.
C. Any animal control officer that fails to complete the training required by subsection A shall be removed from office, unless the State Veterinarian has granted additional time as provided in subsection B.
1998, c. 817, § 3.1-796.104:1; 2002, c. 418; 2004, c. 181; 2008, c. 860; 2016, cc. 60, 172.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6558. Humane investigators; qualifications; appointment; term

A. A circuit court may reappoint any person as a humane investigator for any locality within its jurisdiction if the person:
1. Was appointed as a humane investigator prior to July 1, 2003; and
2. Has never been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect, any felony, or any crime of moral turpitude according to a criminal background check, which shall be performed by the attorney for the Commonwealth at the expense of the person seeking the appointment.
B. A circuit court may appoint a person to fill a vacancy in that jurisdiction created when a humane investigator who was appointed prior to July 1, 2003, is no longer willing or eligible to be a humane investigator, provided the person seeking appointment:
1. Has received a written recommendation from the administrative entity that oversees animal control in the locality where the humane investigator seeks appointment;
2. Has never been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect, any felony, or any crime of moral turpitude according to a criminal background check, which shall be performed by the attorney for the Commonwealth at the expense of the person seeking the appointment; and
3. Has completed a basic animal control course approved by the State Veterinarian pursuant to § 3.2-6556.
C. A person residing outside the Commonwealth may be appointed as a humane investigator only if he is employed by a humane society located within the locality where he is seeking appointment.
D. Reappointments of humane investigators shall be for terms of three years. Each humane investigator shall, during each term for which he is appointed, complete 15 hours of training in animal care and protection approved for animal control officers. If a humane investigator is appointed to a succeeding term before or within 30 days after his current term expires, a criminal background check shall not be required. If a humane investigator's term expires and he is not appointed to a succeeding term before or within 30 days after his current term expires, the humane investigator shall not be appointed to another term.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.75; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.106; 1998, c. 817; 2003, c. 858; 2004, c. 181; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6559. Powers and duties of humane investigators

A. Any humane investigator may, within the locality where he has been appointed, investigate violations of laws and ordinances regarding care and treatment of animals and disposal of dead animals.
B. Each humane investigator shall carry during the performance of his powers and duties under this chapter an identification card issued by the locality where the humane investigator is appointed. The identification card shall include the following information regarding the humane investigator:
1. His full name;
2. The locality where he has been appointed;
3. The name of the circuit court that appointed him;
4. The signature of the circuit court judge that appointed him;
5. A photograph of his face; and
6. The date of expiration of his appointment.
C. Each humane investigator shall record on a form approved by the administrative entity that oversees animal control every investigation he performs, maintain such record for five years, and make such record available upon request to any law-enforcement officer, animal control officer or State Veterinarian's representative. Each humane investigator shall file quarterly a report summarizing such records with the administrative agency that oversees animal control on an approved form. A humane investigator's appointment may be revoked as provided in § 3.2-6561 if he fails to file such report.
1998, c. 817, § 3.1-796.106:2; 2003, c. 858; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6560. Expenses of humane investigators

Neither the appointment of any humane investigator, nor the performance of any service or duty by him, shall require any locality or the Commonwealth to pay any cost or expense incurred by or on behalf of a humane investigator. Any locality may reimburse any humane investigator appointed for that locality for reasonable expenses incurred as the result of a specific request for services from the locality.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.79; 1986, c. 362; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.110; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6561. Revocation of appointment of humane investigators

A. Upon a motion by the attorney for the Commonwealth, the circuit court that appointed a humane investigator may revoke his appointment if he is no longer able to perform the duties of a humane investigator; has been convicted of any felony, Class 1 misdemeanor, or a violation of any provision of this chapter or any other law regarding animals; or for good cause shown. The court shall notify the administrative entity that oversees animal control in the locality where the humane investigator was appointed of such revocation.
B. Any law-enforcement officer may investigate any allegation that a humane investigator has violated this chapter and report his findings and recommendations to the attorney for the Commonwealth.
1998, c. 817, § 3.1-796.106:1; 1999, c. 376; 2003, c. 858; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6562. Capturing, confining, and euthanizing companion animals by animal control officers; approval of drugs used

It shall be the duty of the animal control officer or any other officer to capture and confine any companion animal of unknown ownership found running at large on which the license fee has not been paid. Following the expiration of the holding period prescribed in § 3.2-6546, the animal control officer or other officer may deliver such companion animal to any person in his jurisdiction who will pay the required license fee on such companion animal. Prior to disposition by euthanasia or otherwise, all the provisions of § 3.2-6546 shall have been complied with. For all companion animals not otherwise disposed of as provided for in this chapter, it shall be the duty of the animal control officer or any other officer to euthanize such companion animals. Any person, animal control officer, or other officer euthanizing a companion animal under this chapter shall cremate, bury, or sanitarily dispose of the same.
All drugs and drug administering equipment used by animal control officers or other officers to capture companion animals pursuant to this chapter shall have been approved by the State Veterinarian.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.88; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.119; 1991, c. 348; 1997, c. 159; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6562.1. Rabies exposure; local authority and responsibility plan

The local health director, in conjunction with the governing body of the locality, shall adopt a plan to control and respond to the risk of rabies exposure to persons and companion animals. Such plan shall set forth a procedure that promptly ensures the capture, confinement, isolation, or euthanasia of any animal that has exposed, or poses a risk of exposing, a person or companion animal to rabies. The plan shall identify the authority and responsibility of the local health department, law-enforcement officers, animal control officers, and any other persons with a duty to control or respond to a risk of rabies exposure. The plan shall provide for law-enforcement officers, animal control officers, and other persons to report to and be directed by the local health director for such purposes.
2010, c. 834.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6562.2. Rabies exposure reports

Each local department of health shall make available to its local animal control officer and shall report to the State Department of Health any exposure report involving a dog bite to a human that is maintained with such local department of health through a state-mandated retention period.
2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 464.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6563. When animals to be euthanized; procedure

Any humane investigator may lawfully cause to be euthanized any animal in his charge or found abandoned or not properly cared for when, in the judgment of the humane investigator and two reputable citizens called to view the same in his presence, and who shall give their written certificate, the animal appears to be injured, disabled or diseased, past recovery, or the injury, disease or disability is such that a reasonable owner would cause the animal to be euthanized.
Any humane investigator shall make every reasonable effort immediately to notify the owner of the animal that the humane investigator intends for the animal to be euthanized. The owner shall have a right to select one of the two reputable citizens called to view the animal and give written certificate of the animal's condition. In no event shall the determination as to disposition of the animal be delayed beyond 48 hours after such humane investigator first decides the animal should be euthanized. In the event that the two citizens called to give such certificate are unable to agree, they shall select a third reputable citizen and his decision shall be final.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.83; 1986, c. 362; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.114; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6564. Complaint of suspected violation; investigation

A. Upon receiving a complaint of a suspected violation of this chapter, any ordinance enacted pursuant to this chapter or any law for the protection of domestic animals, any animal control officer, law-enforcement officer, or State Veterinarian's representative may, for the purpose of investigating the allegations of the complaint, enter upon, during business hours, any business premises, including any place where animals or animal records are housed or kept, of any dealer, pet shop, groomer, or boarding establishment. Upon receiving a complaint of a suspected violation of any law or ordinance regarding care or treatment of animals or disposal of dead animals, any humane investigator may, for the purpose of investigating the allegations of the complaint, enter upon, during business hours, any business premises, including any place where animals or animal records are housed or kept, of any dealer, pet shop, groomer, or boarding establishment.
Upon obtaining a warrant as provided for in § 3.2-6568, the law-enforcement officer, animal control officer, State Veterinarian's representative, or humane investigator may enter upon any other premises where the animal or animals described in the complaint are housed or kept. Attorneys for the Commonwealth and law-enforcement officials shall provide such assistance as may be required in the conduct of such investigations.
B. If the investigation discloses that a violation of § 3.2-6503 has occurred, the investigating official shall notify the owner or custodian of the complaint and of what action is necessary to comply with this chapter.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.76; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.107; 1991, c. 451; 1993, c. 174; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6565. Impoundment; expenses; lien; disposition of animal

When an animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement officer or State Veterinarian's representative finds that an apparent violation of this chapter has rendered an animal in such a condition as to constitute a direct and immediate threat to its life, safety or health that the owner or custodian has failed to remedy, such animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement officer or State Veterinarian's representative may impound the animal pursuant to § 3.2-6569 in a facility that will provide the elements of good care as set forth in § 3.2-6503 and shall then proceed to take such steps as are required to dispose of the animal pursuant to § 3.2-6569.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.77; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.108; 1994, c. 387; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6566. Preventing cruelty to animals; interference; penalty

Each animal control officer, humane investigator or State Veterinarian's representative shall interfere to prevent the perpetration of any act of cruelty upon any animal in his presence. Any person who shall interfere with or obstruct or resist any humane investigator or State Veterinarian's representative in the discharge of his rights, powers, and duties as authorized and prescribed by law is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.80; 1986, c. 362; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.111; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860; 2010, c. 240.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6567. Enforcement authority

All law-enforcement officers in the Commonwealth and State Veterinarian's representatives shall enforce the provisions of this chapter to the same extent other laws in the Commonwealth are enforced.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.81; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.112; 1991, c. 121; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6568. Power of search for violations of statutes against cruelty to animals

When an affidavit is made under oath before a magistrate or court of competent jurisdiction by any animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or State Veterinarian's representative that the complainant believes and has reasonable cause to believe that the laws in relation to cruelty to animals have been, are being, or are about to be violated in any particular building or place, such magistrate or judge, if satisfied that there is reasonable cause for such belief, shall issue a warrant authorizing any sheriff, deputy sheriff, or police officer to search the building or place. After issuing a warrant under this section, the magistrate or judge shall file the affidavit in the manner prescribed by § 19.2-54. After executing the warrant, the animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or State Veterinarian's representative shall return the warrant to the clerk of the circuit court of the city or county wherein the search was made.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.82; 1986, c. 362; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.113; 1994, c. 168; 1998, c. 817; 2008, cc. 543, 707, 860; 2014, c. 354.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6570.1. Sale of animals after cruelty or neglect conviction; penalty

Any person who has been convicted of a violation of any law concerning abuse, neglect, or cruelty to animals that sells, offers for sale, or trades any companion animal is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, a person may dispose of animals under the provisions of a court order.
2008, c. 852, § 3.1-796.122:1.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6573. Shooting birds for amusement, and renting premises for such purposes; penalty

Live pigeons or other birds or fowl shall not be kept or used for the purpose of a target, or to be shot at either for amusement or as a test of skill in marksmanship. It is a Class 4 misdemeanor to shoot at a bird kept or used as aforesaid, or to be a party to such shooting. Any person who lets any building, room, field or premises, or knowingly permits the use thereof for the purpose of such shooting is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
Nothing contained herein shall apply to the shooting of wild game.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.94; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.126; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6574. Sterilization of adopted dogs and cats; enforcement; civil penalty

A. Every new owner of a dog or cat adopted from a releasing agency shall cause to be sterilized the dog or cat pursuant to the agreement required by subdivision 2 of subsection B of this article.
B. A dog or cat shall not be released for adoption from a releasing agency unless:
1. The animal has already been sterilized; or
2. The individual adopting the animal signs an agreement to have the animal sterilized by a licensed veterinarian: (i) within 30 days of the adoption, if the animal is sexually mature; or (ii) within 30 days after the animal reaches six months of age, if the animal is not sexually mature at the time of adoption.
C. A releasing agency may extend for 30 days the date by which a dog or cat must be sterilized on presentation of a written report from a veterinarian stating that the life or health of the adopted animal may be jeopardized by sterilization. In cases involving extenuating circumstances, the veterinarian and the releasing agency may negotiate the terms of an extension of the date by which the animal must be sterilized.
D. Nothing in this section shall preclude the sterilization of a sexually immature dog or cat upon the written agreement of the veterinarian, the releasing agency, and the new owner.
E. Upon the petition of an animal control officer, humane investigator, the State Veterinarian or a State Veterinarian's representative to the district court of the county or city where a violation of this article occurs, the court may order the new owner to take any steps necessary to comply with the requirements of this article. This remedy shall be exclusive of and in addition to any civil penalty that may be imposed under this article.
F. Any person who violates subsection A or B of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $250.
1993, c. 959, § 3.1-796.126:1; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860; 2010, c. 875.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6575. Sterilization agreement

Any agreement used by a releasing agency pursuant to subsection B of § 3.2-6574 shall contain:
1. The date of the agreement;
2. The names, addresses, and signatures of the releasing agency and the new owner;
3. A description of the dog or cat to be adopted;
4. The date by which the dog or cat is required to be sterilized; and
5. A statement printed in conspicuous, bold print, that sterilization of the dog or cat is required under this article; that a person who violates this article is subject to a civil penalty; and that the new owner may be compelled to comply with the provisions of this article.
1993, c. 959, § 3.1-796.126:2; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6576. Sterilization confirmation; civil penalty

Each new owner who signs a sterilization agreement shall, within seven days of the sterilization, cause to be delivered or mailed to the releasing agency written confirmation signed by the veterinarian who performed the sterilization. The confirmation shall briefly describe the dog or cat; include the new owner's name and address; certify that the sterilization was performed; and specify the date of the procedure. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $150.
1993, c. 959, § 3.1-796.126:3; 1999, cc. 627, 672; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6577. Notification concerning lost, stolen or dead dogs or cats; civil penalty

If an adopted dog or cat is lost or stolen or dies before the animal is sterilized and before the date by which the dog or cat is required to be sterilized, the new owner shall, within seven days of the animal's disappearance or death, notify the releasing agency of the animal's disappearance or death. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $25.
1993, c. 959, § 3.1-796.126:4; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6578. Exemptions

This article shall not apply to:
1. An owner reclaiming his dog or cat from a releasing agency;
2. A releasing agency within a locality that has adopted a more stringent mandatory sterilization ordinance; and
3. A local governing body that has disposed of an animal by sale or gift to a federal agency, state-supported institution, agency of the Commonwealth, agency of another state, or licensed federal dealer having its principal place of business located within the Commonwealth.
1993, c. 959, § 3.1-796.126:5; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6579. Releasing agency; fees and deposits

A local governing body or releasing agency may charge and collect from the new owner a fee or deposit before releasing a dog or cat for adoption to ensure sterilization.
1993, c. 959, § 3.1-796.126:6; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6580. Civil penalties

Any animal control officer, humane investigator, releasing agency, the State Veterinarian or State Veterinarian's representative shall be entitled to bring a civil action for any violation of this article that is subject to a civil penalty. Any civil penalty assessed pursuant to this article shall be paid into the treasury of the city or county where such civil action is brought and used for the purpose of defraying the costs of local animal control, including efforts to promote sterilization of cats and dogs.
1993, c. 959, § 3.1-796.126:7; 1998, c. 817; 2002, c. 787; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6581. Definitions

As used in this article:
"Adequate confinement" means that, while on the property of its owner and not under the direct supervision and control of the owner or custodian, a hybrid canine shall be confined in a humane manner in a securely enclosed and locked structure of sufficient height and design to: (i) prevent the animal's escape; or if the hybrid canine is determined to be a dangerous dog pursuant to § 3.2-6540, the structure shall prevent direct contact with any person or animal not authorized by the owner to be in direct contact with the hybrid canine; and (ii) provide a minimum of 100 square feet of floor space for each adult animal. Tethering of a hybrid canine not under the direct supervision and control of the owner or custodian shall not be considered adequate confinement.
"Hybrid canine" means any animal that is or can be demonstrated to be a hybrid of the domestic dog and any other species of the Canidae family; that at any time has been permitted, registered, licensed, or advertised as such; or that at any time has been described, represented, or reported as such by its owner to a licensed veterinarian, law-enforcement officer, animal control officer, humane investigator, official of the Department of Health, or State Veterinarian's representative.
"Responsible ownership" means the ownership and humane care of a hybrid canine in such a manner as to comply with all laws and ordinances regarding hybrid canines and prevent endangerment by the animal to public health and safety.
1997, c. 918, § 3.1-796.126:8; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860; 2014, c. 461.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6582. Hybrid canine ordinance; penalty

A. Any locality may, by ordinance, establish a permit system to ensure the adequate confinement and responsible ownership of hybrid canines. Such ordinance may include requirements pertaining to (i) the term and expiration date of the permit; (ii) the number of hybrid canines that may be owned by a permittee; (iii) identification tags or tattooing of the animal; (iv) where the animal may be kept; (v) handling of the animal while not on the property of the owner; and (vi) information required to be provided when applying for a permit, such as the sex, color, height, vaccination records, length, or identifying marks of the hybrid canine. The ordinance shall not require that hybrid canines be disposed of by the owner unless the owner fails to obtain or renew any required permit or violates a provision of the ordinance or any other law pertaining to the responsible ownership of the hybrid canine. The locality may impose a permit fee to cover the cost of the permitting system.
B. Violation of an ordinance enacted pursuant to subsection A is a Class 3 misdemeanor for the first violation and a Class 1 misdemeanor for any subsequent violation. The ordinance may require a violator to surrender the hybrid canine for euthanasia in accordance with § 3.2-6562.
C. The provisions of subsections A and B shall not affect any ordinance adopted prior to July 1, 1997.
D. Any locality may, by ordinance, prohibit the keeping of hybrid canines.
1997, c. 918, § 3.1-796.126:9; 2008, c. 860; 2014, c. 461.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6583. Hybrid canines killing, injuring or chasing livestock

It shall be the duty of any animal control officer or other officer who may find a hybrid canine in the act of killing or injuring livestock or poultry to kill such hybrid canine forthwith, whether such hybrid canine bears a tag or not. Any person finding a hybrid canine committing any of the depredations mentioned in this section may kill such hybrid canine on sight as may any owner of livestock or his agent finding a hybrid canine chasing livestock on land lawfully utilized by the livestock when the circumstances show that such chasing is harmful to the livestock. Any court may order the animal control officer or other officer to kill any hybrid canine known to be a confirmed livestock or poultry killer, and any hybrid canine that kills poultry for a third time shall be considered a confirmed poultry killer. The court, through its contempt powers, may compel the owner, custodian, or harborer of the hybrid canine to produce the hybrid canine.
Any animal control officer who has reason to believe that any hybrid canine is killing livestock or poultry shall be empowered to seize such hybrid canine solely for the purpose of examining such hybrid canine in order to determine whether it committed any of the depredations mentioned herein. Any animal control officer or other person who has reason to believe that any hybrid canine is killing livestock, or committing any of the depredations mentioned in this section, shall apply to a magistrate serving the locality where such hybrid canine may be, who shall issue a warrant requiring the owner or custodian, if known, to appear before a general district court, at which time evidence shall be heard. If it appears that the hybrid canine is a livestock killer, or has committed any of the depredations mentioned in this section, the district court shall order that the hybrid canine be: (i) killed immediately by the animal control officer or other officer designated by the court; or (ii) removed to another state that does not border on the Commonwealth and prohibited from returning to the Commonwealth. Any hybrid canine ordered removed from the Commonwealth that is later found in the Commonwealth shall be ordered by a court to be killed immediately.
1997, c. 918, § 3.1-796.126:10; 1998, c. 817; 2008, cc. 551, 691, 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6584. Compensation for livestock and poultry killed by hybrid canines

Any person who has any livestock or poultry killed or injured by any hybrid canine not his own shall be entitled to receive as compensation the fair market value of such livestock or poultry not to exceed $750 per animal or $10 per fowl if (i) the claimant has furnished evidence within 60 days of discovery of the quantity and value of the dead or injured livestock and the reasons the claimant believes that death or injury was caused by a hybrid canine; (ii) the animal control officer or other officer shall have been notified of the incident within 72 hours of its discovery; and (iii) the claimant first has exhausted his legal remedies against the owner, if known, of the hybrid canine doing the damage for which compensation under this section is sought. Exhaustion shall mean a judgment against the owner of the hybrid canine upon which an execution has been returned unsatisfied.
Local jurisdictions may by ordinance waive the requirements of clause (ii) or (iii) or both provided that the ordinance adopted requires that the animal control officer has conducted an investigation and that his investigation supports the claim. Upon payment under this section the local governing body shall be subrogated to the extent of compensation paid to the right of action to the owner of the livestock or poultry against the owner of the hybrid canine and may enforce the same in an appropriate action at law.
1997, c. 918, § 3.1-796.126:11; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860; 2014, cc. 116, 160.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6585. Dogs and cats deemed personal property; rights relating thereto

All dogs and cats shall be deemed personal property and may be the subject of larceny and malicious or unlawful trespass. Owners, as defined in § 3.2-6500, may maintain any action for the killing of any such animals, or injury thereto, or unlawful detention or use thereof as in the case of other personal property. The owner of any dog or cat that is injured or killed contrary to the provisions of this chapter by any person shall be entitled to recover the value thereof or the damage done thereto in an appropriate action at law from such person.
An animal control officer or other officer finding a stolen dog or cat, or a dog or cat held or detained contrary to law, shall have authority to seize and hold such animal pending action before a general district court or other court. If no such action is instituted within seven days, the animal control officer or other officer shall deliver the dog or cat to its owner.
The presence of a dog or cat on the premises of a person other than its legal owner shall raise no presumption of theft against the owner, and the animal control officer may take such animal and notify its legal owner. The legal owner of the animal shall pay a reasonable charge as the local governing body by ordinance shall establish for the keep of such animal while in the possession of the animal control officer.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.95; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.127; 1988, c. 537; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6585.1. Duty to identify; scanning for microchip

Any veterinarian, public or private animal shelter, or releasing agency that releases or receives companion animals for adoption or is authorized to euthanize companion animals shall seek to identify the lawful owner of each unidentified companion animal submitted to it, including, for any weaned companion animal that may be safely handled, making a reasonable attempt to scan the animal for an embedded microchip at the time of intake, at the time of assessment, and prior to disposition. If a chip is detected, the veterinarian, shelter, or agency shall make every reasonable effort to contact the owner by the most expedient method available. Such veterinarian, shelter, or agency shall maintain documentation for at least 30 days from the date of the final disposition of the animal that includes the reason an animal could not be scanned, any scanning that located or failed to locate a microchip, whether a located microchip was registered to an owner, and any attempt to contact any owner. Veterinarians shall notify the local public shelter, in compliance with § 3.2-6551, when taking possession of a stray animal. The requirements of this section shall not apply to the transfer of animals between veterinarians, public or private animal shelters, or releasing agencies.
2022, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6586. Dog injuring or killing other companion animals

The owner of any companion animal that is injured or killed by a dog shall be entitled to recover damages consistent with the provisions of § 3.2-6585 from the owner of such dog in an appropriate action at law if: (i) the injury occurred on the premises of the companion animal's owner; and (ii) the owner of the offending dog did not have the permission of the companion animal's owner for the dog to be on the premises at the time of the attack.
2003, c. 841, § 3.1-796.127:1; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6587. Unlawful acts; penalties

A. The following shall be unlawful acts and are Class 4 misdemeanors:
1. For any person to make a false statement in order to secure a dog or cat license to which he is not entitled.
2. For any dog or cat owner to fail to pay any license tax required by this chapter before February 1 for the year in which it is due. In addition, the court may order confiscation and the proper disposition of the dog or cat.
3. For any dog owner to allow a dog to run at large in violation of an ordinance passed pursuant to § 3.2-6539.
4. Unless otherwise punishable under subsection B, for any person to fail to obey an ordinance passed pursuant to §§ 3.2-6522 and 3.2-6525.
5. For any owner to fail to dispose of the body of his companion animals in accordance with § 3.2-6554.
6. For the owner of any dog or cat with a contagious or infectious disease, other than rabies, to permit such dog or cat to stray from his premises if such disease is known to the owner.
7. For any person to conceal or harbor any dog or cat on which any required license tax has not been paid.
8. For any person, except the owner or custodian, to remove a legally acquired license tag from a dog or cat without the permission of the owner or custodian.
9. Any other violation of this chapter for which a specific penalty is not provided.
B. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to:
1. Present a false claim or to receive any money on a false claim under the provisions of § 3.2-6553.
2. Impersonate a humane investigator.
3. Permit a dog or cat that he owns or is in his custody to stray from his premises when he knows or has been told by the local health department, law-enforcement agency, animal control agency, or any other person who has a duty to control or respond to a risk of rabies exposure that the dog or cat is suspected of having rabies.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.99; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.128; 1993, cc. 174, 775, 817; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860; 2020, c. 1183.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6588. Intentional interference with a guide or leader dog; penalty

A. It is unlawful for a person to, without just cause, willfully impede or interfere with the duties performed by a dog if the person knows or has reason to believe the dog is a guide or leader dog. A violation of this subsection is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
B. It is unlawful for a person to, without just cause, willfully injure a dog if the person knows or has reason to believe the dog is a guide or leader dog. A violation of this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
"Guide or leader dog" means a dog that: (i) serves as a dog guide for a blind person as defined in § 51.5-60 or for a person with a visual disability; (ii) serves as a listener for a deaf or hard-of-hearing person as defined in § 51.5-111; or (iii) provides support or assistance for an individual with a physical disability.
1995, c. 209, § 3.1-796.128:1; 2008, c. 860; 2023, cc. 148, 149.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6589. Selling garments containing dog or cat fur prohibited; penalty

It is unlawful for any person to sell a garment containing the hide, fur, or pelt that he knows to be that of a domestic dog or cat. A violation of this section is punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000.
1999, cc. 646, 678, § 3.1-796.128:2; 2008, c. 860.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food › Chapter 65 - Comprehensive Animal Care › § 3.2-6590. Jurisdiction of general district courts; right of appeal

Unless otherwise provided, the provisions of this article may be enforced by any general district court in cities or counties wherein the offense is committed or the offender or owner may be found. Every such offender shall have the right of appeal to the appropriate circuit court.
1984, c. 492, § 29-213.100; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.129; 2008, c. 860.