VA Codes Pertaining to Animals

  • VA Code 3.2-6521: The owners of all dogs and cats shall have such animals currently vaccinated
  • VA Code 3.2-6524: The owners of all dogs shall have such dog licensed
  • VA Code 3.2-6503: Each owner shall provide his companion animal
      1. Food                          6. Care       
      2. Water                         7. Treatment 
      3. Shelter                       8. Transportation
      4. Space                        9. Vet Care as needed 
      5. Exercise
  • VA Code 3.2-6503.1: Each owner shall provide his agricultural animal
      1. Food
      2. Water
      3. Vet Care as needed
  • VA Code 3.2-6570: Cruelty to animals
      1. Any person who overrides, overdrives, overloads, ill-treats, or abandons any animal
      2. Any person that tortures, willfully inflicts inhumane injury/pain, or cruelly or unnecessarily beats, maims, mutilates, or kills any animal
      3. Deprives any animal of necessary food, drink, shelter, or emergency veterinary treatment
      4. Etc.
  • VA Code 3.2-6553: Any person who has livestock killed by a dog shall be entitled to compensation  
      1. Livestock not to exceed $750 per animal
      2. Fowl not to exceed $10 per animal
  • VA Code 3.2-6540: Dangerous Dog is defined as any dog that has inflicted serious injury on a person or companion animal that is a dog or cat, or killed a companion animal that is a dog or cat with some exceptions 
    • VA Code 3.2-6540.01: Once Dog is Deemed Dangerous the owner shall:
      • Neuter/Spay such dog
      • Microchip such dog
      • Obtain & Maintain a liability policy of at least $100,000 for animal bites
      •  Pay a fee of $150
      • Complete a Dangerous Dog Registration Certificate
      • “Dangerous Dog” signs must be placed at all points of entry where the dog resides
      • If dog is not within immediate physical presence of its owner outside, the owner shall construct a secure locked enclosure with sufficient height and design to prevent escape of dog and entry of another person or animal
      • Must have dog on a leash controlled by the adult owner and securely muzzled if not inside locked secure enclosure.
      • Must notify Animal Control Officer of any changes in location of owner and dog at any time, transfer of owner ship of dog, any instance where the dog loose or unconfined, any bite or attack by dog to a person, dog, or cat, any complaint or lawsuit brought because of any attack and the escape, loss or death of dog
      • Owner must notify the Animal Control Officer at least 10 days prior to relocating the dog