{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/18.2-403.3.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/18.2-403.3.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/18.2-403.3.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/18.2-403.3.html"}],"law_id":62257,"edition_id":1,"section_id":62257,"structure_id":15043,"section_number":"18.2-403.3","catch_line":"Offenses involving animals \u2014 Class 4 misdemeanors","history":"1984, c. 492; 1993, cc. 174, 817; 2017, cc. 559, 567; 2020, c. 1183.","full_text":"The following unlawful acts and offenses against animals shall constitute and be punished as a Class 4 misdemeanor:\n\n1\n\nViolation of § 3.2-6566 pertaining to interference of agents charged with preventing cruelty to animals.2\n\nViolation of § 3.2-6573 pertaining to shooting pigeons.3\n\nViolation of § 3.2-6554 pertaining to disposing of the body of a dead companion animal.4\n\nUnless otherwise punishable under subsection B of § 3.2-6587, violation of ordinances passed pursuant to §§ 3.2-6522 and 3.2-6525 pertaining to rabid dogs and preventing the spread of rabies and the running at large of vicious dogs.5\n\nViolation of an ordinance passed pursuant to § 3.2-6539 requiring dogs to be on a leash.6\n\nFailure by any person to secure and exhibit the permits required by § 29.1-422 pertaining to field trails, night trails and foxhounds.7\n\nDiseased dogs. — For the owner of any dog with a contagious or infectious disease, other than rabies, to permit such dog to stray from his premises if such disease is known to the owner.8\n\nLicense application. — For any person to make a false statement in order to secure a dog or cat license to which he is not entitled.9\n\nLicense tax. — For any dog or cat owner to fail to pay any license tax required by subsection A or C of § 3.2-6530 within one month after the date when it is due. In addition, the court may order confiscation and the proper disposition of the dog or cat.10\n\nConcealing a dog or cat. — For any person to conceal or harbor any dog or cat on which any required license tax has not been paid.11\n\nRemoving collar and tag. — 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.12\n\nViolation of § 3.2-6503 pertaining to care of animals by owner.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":227042,"text":"The following unlawful acts and offenses against animals shall constitute and be punished as a Class 4 misdemeanor:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":227043,"text":"Violation of § 3.2-6566 pertaining to interference of agents charged with preventing cruelty to animals.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":227044,"text":"Violation of § 3.2-6573 pertaining to shooting pigeons.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":227045,"text":"Violation of § 3.2-6554 pertaining to disposing of the body of a dead companion animal.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":227046,"text":"Unless otherwise punishable under subsection B of § 3.2-6587, violation of ordinances passed pursuant to §§ 3.2-6522 and 3.2-6525 pertaining to rabid dogs and preventing the spread of rabies and the running at large of vicious dogs.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":227047,"text":"Violation of an ordinance passed pursuant to § 3.2-6539 requiring dogs to be on a leash.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":227048,"text":"Failure by any person to secure and exhibit the permits required by § 29.1-422 pertaining to field trails, night trails and foxhounds.","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"7":{"id":227049,"text":"Diseased dogs. — For the owner of any dog with a contagious or infectious disease, other than rabies, to permit such dog to stray from his premises if such disease is known to the owner.","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"8":{"id":227050,"text":"License application. — For any person to make a false statement in order to secure a dog or cat license to which he is not entitled.","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"9"},"9":{"id":227051,"text":"License tax. — For any dog or cat owner to fail to pay any license tax required by subsection A or C of § 3.2-6530 within one month after the date when it is due. In addition, the court may order confiscation and the proper disposition of the dog or cat.","type":"section","prefixes":["9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"9","prefix_anchor":"9","level":1,"prior_prefix":"8","next_prefix":"10"},"10":{"id":227052,"text":"Concealing a dog or cat. — For any person to conceal or harbor any dog or cat on which any required license tax has not been paid.","type":"section","prefixes":["10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"10","prefix_anchor":"10","level":1,"prior_prefix":"9","next_prefix":"11"},"11":{"id":227053,"text":"Removing collar and tag. — 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.","type":"section","prefixes":["11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"11","prefix_anchor":"11","level":1,"prior_prefix":"10","next_prefix":"12"},"12":{"id":227054,"text":"Violation of § 3.2-6503 pertaining to care of animals by owner.","type":"section","prefixes":["12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"12","prefix_anchor":"12","level":1,"prior_prefix":"11"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15043,"edition_id":1,"name":"Offenses Involving Animals","identifier":"8","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14022,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:51:43","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:51:43","permalink":{"id":167977,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15043,"identifier":"8","token":"18.2\/8\/8","url":"\/18.2\/8\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14022,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes Involving Morals and Decency","identifier":"8","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12972,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:37","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:37","permalink":{"id":167393,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14022,"identifier":"8","token":"18.2\/8","url":"\/18.2\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12972,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes and Offenses Generally","identifier":"18.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","permalink":{"id":164139,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12972,"identifier":"18.2","token":"18.2","url":"\/18.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":64312,"structure_id":15043,"section_number":"18.2-403.1","catch_line":"Offenses involving animals \u2014 Class 1 misdemeanors","url":"\/18.2-403.1\/","token":"18.2\/8\/8\/18.2-403.1","metadata":false},{"id":84606,"structure_id":15043,"section_number":"18.2-403.2","catch_line":"Offenses involving animals \u2014 Class 3 misdemeanors","url":"\/18.2-403.2\/","token":"18.2\/8\/8\/18.2-403.2","metadata":false},{"id":62257,"structure_id":15043,"section_number":"18.2-403.3","catch_line":"Offenses involving animals \u2014 Class 4 misdemeanors","url":"\/18.2-403.3\/","token":"18.2\/8\/8\/18.2-403.3","metadata":false},{"id":57357,"structure_id":15043,"section_number":"18.2-403.4","catch_line":"Unauthorized release of animals; penalty","url":"\/18.2-403.4\/","token":"18.2\/8\/8\/18.2-403.4","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":84606,"structure_id":15043,"section_number":"18.2-403.2","catch_line":"Offenses involving animals \u2014 Class 3 misdemeanors","url":"\/18.2-403.2\/","token":"18.2\/8\/8\/18.2-403.2","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":57357,"structure_id":15043,"section_number":"18.2-403.4","catch_line":"Unauthorized release of animals; penalty","url":"\/18.2-403.4\/","token":"18.2\/8\/8\/18.2-403.4","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/18.2-403.3\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1984. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 492 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1984 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1993, chapters 174 and 817; in 2017, chapters 559<\/a> and 567<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 1183<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":85099,"section_number":"29.1-422","catch_line":"Permits for field trials","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-422\/"},{"id":66904,"section_number":"3.2-6503","catch_line":"Care of companion animals by owner; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6503\/"},{"id":75503,"section_number":"3.2-6522","catch_line":"Rabid animals","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6522\/"},{"id":58238,"section_number":"3.2-6525","catch_line":"Regulations to prevent spread of rabies","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6525\/"},{"id":67095,"section_number":"3.2-6530","catch_line":"When license tax payable","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6530\/"},{"id":54470,"section_number":"3.2-6539","catch_line":"Ordinance requiring dogs to be kept on leash","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6539\/"},{"id":68901,"section_number":"3.2-6554","catch_line":"Disposal of dead companion animals","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6554\/"},{"id":68802,"section_number":"3.2-6566","catch_line":"Preventing cruelty to animals; interference; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6566\/"},{"id":73177,"section_number":"3.2-6573","catch_line":"Shooting birds for amusement, and renting premises for such purposes; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6573\/"},{"id":83607,"section_number":"3.2-6587","catch_line":"Unlawful acts; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6587\/"}],"permalink":{"id":167987,"object_type":"law","relational_id":62257,"identifier":"18.2-403.3","token":"18.2\/8\/8\/18.2-403.3","url":"\/18.2-403.3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/18.2-403.3\/","token":"18.2\/8\/8\/18.2-403.3","dublin_core":{"Title":"Offenses involving animals \u2014 Class 4 misdemeanors","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 18.2-403.3","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

The following unlawful acts and offenses<\/span> against animals shall constitute and be punished as a Class 4 misdemeanor<\/span>:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Violation of § 3.2-6566<\/a> pertaining to interference of agents charged with preventing cruelty to animals. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Violation of § 3.2-6573<\/a> pertaining to shooting pigeons. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Violation of § 3.2-6554<\/a> pertaining to disposing of the body of a dead companion animal. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Unless otherwise punishable under subsection B of § 3.2-6587<\/a>, violation of ordinances<\/span> passed pursuant to §§ 3.2-6522<\/a> and 3.2-6525<\/a> pertaining to rabid dogs and preventing the spread of rabies and the running at large of vicious dogs. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Violation of an ordinance<\/span> passed pursuant to § 3.2-6539<\/a> requiring dogs to be on a leash. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Failure by any person to secure and exhibit the permits required by § 29.1-422<\/a> pertaining to field trails, night trails and foxhounds. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Diseased dogs. — For the owner of any dog with a contagious or infectious disease, other than rabies, to permit such dog to stray from his premises if such disease is known to the owner. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> License application. — For any person to make a false statement in order<\/span> to secure a dog or cat license to which he is not entitled. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> License tax. — For any dog or cat owner to fail to pay any license tax required by subsection A or C of § 3.2-6530<\/a> within one month after the date when it is due. In addition, the court<\/span> may order<\/span> confiscation and the proper disposition<\/span> of the dog or cat. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> Concealing a dog or cat. — For any person to conceal or harbor any dog or cat on which any required license tax has not been paid. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> Removing collar and tag. — 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. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> Violation of § 3.2-6503<\/a> pertaining to care of animals by owner. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nOFFENSES INVOLVING ANIMALS \u2014 CLASS 4 MISDEMEANORS (\u00a7 18.2-403.3)\n\nThe following unlawful acts and offenses against animals shall constitute and be\npunished as a Class 4 misdemeanor:\n\n1. Violation of § 3.2-6566 pertaining to interference of agents charged\nwith preventing cruelty to animals.\n\n2. Violation of § 3.2-6573 pertaining to shooting pigeons.\n\n3. Violation of § 3.2-6554 pertaining to disposing of the body of a dead\ncompanion animal.\n\n4. Unless otherwise punishable under subsection B of § 3.2-6587, violation\nof ordinances passed pursuant to §§ 3.2-6522 and 3.2-6525 pertaining\nto rabid dogs and preventing the spread of rabies and the running at large of\nvicious dogs.\n\n5. Violation of an ordinance passed pursuant to § 3.2-6539 requiring dogs\nto be on a leash.\n\n6. Failure by any person to secure and exhibit the permits required by §\n29.1-422 pertaining to field trails, night trails and foxhounds.\n\n7. Diseased dogs. — For the owner of any dog with a contagious or\ninfectious disease, other than rabies, to permit such dog to stray from his\npremises if such disease is known to the owner.\n\n8. License application. — For any person to make a false statement in\norder to secure a dog or cat license to which he is not entitled.\n\n9. License tax. — For any dog or cat owner to fail to pay any license tax\nrequired by subsection A or C of § 3.2-6530 within one month after the date\nwhen it is due. In addition, the court may order confiscation and the proper\ndisposition of the dog or cat.\n\n10. Concealing a dog or cat. — For any person to conceal or harbor any\ndog or cat on which any required license tax has not been paid.\n\n11. Removing collar and tag. — For any person, except the owner or\ncustodian, to remove a legally acquired license tag from a dog or cat without\nthe permission of the owner or custodian.\n\n12. Violation of § 3.2-6503 pertaining to care of animals by owner.\n\nHISTORY: 1984, c. 492; 1993, cc. 174, 817; 2017, cc. 559, 567; 2020, c. 1183.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}