{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/3.2-6538.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/3.2-6538.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/3.2-6538.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/3.2-6538.html"}],"law_id":75887,"edition_id":1,"section_id":75887,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6538","catch_line":"Governing body of any locality may prohibit dogs from running at large; civil penalty","history":"1984, c. 492, \u00a7 29-213.63; 1987, c. 488, \u00a7 3.1-796.93; 2008, c. 860; 2019, c. 562.","full_text":"Any locality may by ordinance prohibit the running at large of all or any category of dogs, except dogs used for hunting, in all or any designated portion of such locality during such months as it may designate. Any such locality may also require that dogs be confined, restricted, or penned up during such periods. For the purpose of this section, a dog shall be deemed to run at large while roaming or running off the property of its owner or custodian and not under its owner’s or custodian’s immediate control. Any person who permits his dog to run at large or remain unconfined, unrestricted, or not penned up shall be deemed to have violated an ordinance adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section. Such ordinance shall provide that the owner or custodian of any dog found running at large in a pack shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount established by the locality not to exceed $100 per dog so found. For the purpose of such ordinance, a dog shall be deemed to be running at large in a pack if it is running at large in the company of one or more other dogs that are also running at large. Any civil penalty collected pursuant to such ordinance shall be deposited by the treasurer of the locality pursuant to the provisions of \u00a7 3.2-6534.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":272471,"text":"Any locality may by ordinance prohibit the running at large of all or any category of dogs, except dogs used for hunting, in all or any designated portion of such locality during such months as it may designate. Any such locality may also require that dogs be confined, restricted, or penned up during such periods. For the purpose of this section, a dog shall be deemed to run at large while roaming or running off the property of its owner or custodian and not under its owner’s or custodian’s immediate control. Any person who permits his dog to run at large or remain unconfined, unrestricted, or not penned up shall be deemed to have violated an ordinance adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section. Such ordinance shall provide that the owner or custodian of any dog found running at large in a pack shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount established by the locality not to exceed $100 per dog so found. For the purpose of such ordinance, a dog shall be deemed to be running at large in a pack if it is running at large in the company of one or more other dogs that are also running at large. Any civil penalty collected pursuant to such ordinance shall be deposited by the treasurer of the locality pursuant to the provisions of \u00a7 3.2-6534.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13171,"edition_id":1,"name":"Authority of Local Governing Bodies","identifier":"6","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13170,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","permalink":{"id":198807,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13171,"identifier":"6","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6","url":"\/3.2\/V\/65\/6\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13170,"edition_id":1,"name":"Comprehensive Animal Care","identifier":"65","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13169,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","permalink":{"id":198459,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13170,"identifier":"65","token":"3.2\/V\/65","url":"\/3.2\/V\/65\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13169,"edition_id":1,"name":"Domestic Animals","identifier":"V","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12793,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","permalink":{"id":198133,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13169,"identifier":"V","token":"3.2\/V","url":"\/3.2\/V\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12793,"edition_id":1,"name":"Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food","identifier":"3.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":193939,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12793,"identifier":"3.2","token":"3.2","url":"\/3.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":81839,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6537","catch_line":"Ordinances; penalties","url":"\/3.2-6537\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6537","metadata":false},{"id":74955,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6537.1","catch_line":"Cash bond for a pet shop obtaining certain dogs","url":"\/3.2-6537.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6537.1","metadata":false},{"id":75887,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6538","catch_line":"Governing body of any locality may prohibit dogs from running at large; civil penalty","url":"\/3.2-6538\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6538","metadata":false},{"id":54470,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6539","catch_line":"Ordinance requiring dogs to be kept on leash","url":"\/3.2-6539\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6539","metadata":false},{"id":86290,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6540","catch_line":"Dangerous dogs; investigation, summons, and hearing","url":"\/3.2-6540\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540","metadata":false},{"id":78978,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6540.01","catch_line":"Obligations of officer and owner following dangerous dog finding","url":"\/3.2-6540.01\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540.01","metadata":false},{"id":61898,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6540.02","catch_line":"Notice of dangerous dog finding; penalty","url":"\/3.2-6540.02\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540.02","metadata":false},{"id":76550,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6540.03","catch_line":"Violation of law by owner of dangerous dog; penalty","url":"\/3.2-6540.03\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540.03","metadata":false},{"id":54186,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6540.04","catch_line":"Subsequent attack or bite by dangerous dog; penalty","url":"\/3.2-6540.04\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540.04","metadata":false},{"id":82525,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6540.1","catch_line":"Vicious dogs; penalties","url":"\/3.2-6540.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540.1","metadata":false},{"id":64609,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6541","catch_line":"Authority to prohibit training of attack dogs","url":"\/3.2-6541\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6541","metadata":false},{"id":67596,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6541.1","catch_line":"Authority to prohibit ownership of particular breed","url":"\/3.2-6541.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6541.1","metadata":false},{"id":60877,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6542","catch_line":"Establishment of Dangerous Dog Registry","url":"\/3.2-6542\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6542","metadata":false},{"id":71489,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6542.1","catch_line":"Renewal of dangerous dog registration","url":"\/3.2-6542.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6542.1","metadata":false},{"id":81226,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6542.2","catch_line":"Dangerous dog fees; local fund","url":"\/3.2-6542.2\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6542.2","metadata":false},{"id":78689,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6543","catch_line":"Governing body of any locality may adopt certain ordinances","url":"\/3.2-6543\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6543","metadata":false},{"id":66579,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6543.1","catch_line":"Authority to enact parallel dangerous dog ordinance","url":"\/3.2-6543.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6543.1","metadata":false},{"id":64002,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6544","catch_line":"Regulation of keeping of animals and fowl","url":"\/3.2-6544\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6544","metadata":false},{"id":65760,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6545","catch_line":"Regulation of sale of animals procured from animal shelters","url":"\/3.2-6545\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6545","metadata":false},{"id":84667,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6546","catch_line":"County or city public animal shelters; confinement and disposition of animals; affiliation with foster care providers; penalties; injunctive relief","url":"\/3.2-6546\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6546","metadata":false},{"id":73172,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6547","catch_line":"Acceptance of animals for research or experimentation; prohibition","url":"\/3.2-6547\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6547","metadata":false},{"id":83344,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6548","catch_line":"Private animal shelters; confinement and disposition of animals; affiliation with foster care providers; penalties; injunctive relief","url":"\/3.2-6548\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6548","metadata":false},{"id":86437,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6549","catch_line":"Releasing agencies other than public or private animal shelters; confinement and disposition of companion animals; recordkeeping; affiliation with foster care providers; penalties","url":"\/3.2-6549\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6549","metadata":false},{"id":85287,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6550","catch_line":"Requirements for foster homes; penalty","url":"\/3.2-6550\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6550","metadata":false},{"id":67608,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6551","catch_line":"Notification by individuals finding companion animals; penalty","url":"\/3.2-6551\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6551","metadata":false},{"id":76046,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6552","catch_line":"Dogs killing, injuring, or chasing livestock or poultry","url":"\/3.2-6552\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6552","metadata":false},{"id":74206,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6553","catch_line":"Compensation for livestock and poultry killed by dogs","url":"\/3.2-6553\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6553","metadata":false},{"id":68901,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6554","catch_line":"Disposal of dead companion animals","url":"\/3.2-6554\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6554","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":74955,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6537.1","catch_line":"Cash bond for a pet shop obtaining certain dogs","url":"\/3.2-6537.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6537.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":54470,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6539","catch_line":"Ordinance requiring dogs to be kept on leash","url":"\/3.2-6539\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6539","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/3.2-6538\/","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 1987, chapter 488; in 2008, chapter 860<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 562<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":84667,"section_number":"3.2-6546","catch_line":"County or city public animal shelters; confinement and disposition of animals; affiliation with foster care providers; penalties; injunctive relief","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6546\/"},{"id":72314,"section_number":"32.1-48.3","catch_line":"Regulations of Commissioner covering local ordinances and requirements","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-48.3\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":84310,"section_number":"3.2-6534","catch_line":"Disposition of funds","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6534\/"}],"permalink":{"id":198817,"object_type":"law","relational_id":75887,"identifier":"3.2-6538","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6538","url":"\/3.2-6538\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/3.2-6538\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6538","dublin_core":{"Title":"Governing body of any locality may prohibit dogs from running at large; civil penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 3.2-6538","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Any locality may by ordinance<\/span> prohibit the running at large of all or any category of dogs, except dogs used for hunting, in all or any designated portion of such locality during such months as it may designate. Any such locality may also require that dogs be confined, restricted, or penned up during such periods. For the purpose of this section, a dog shall be deemed to run at large while roaming or running off the property of its owner<\/span> or custodian and not under its owner<\/span>’s or custodian’s immediate control. Any person who permits his dog to run at large or remain unconfined, unrestricted, or not penned up shall be deemed to have violated an ordinance<\/span> adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section. Such ordinance<\/span> shall provide that the owner<\/span> or custodian of any dog found running at large in a pack shall be subject to a civil penalty<\/span> in an amount established by the locality not to exceed $100 per dog so found. For the purpose of such ordinance<\/span>, a dog shall be deemed to be running at large in a pack if it is running at large in the company of one or more other dogs that are also running at large. Any civil penalty<\/span> collected pursuant to such ordinance<\/span> shall be deposited by the treasurer<\/span> of the locality pursuant to the provisions of \u00a7 3.2-6534<\/a>.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nGOVERNING BODY OF ANY LOCALITY MAY PROHIBIT DOGS FROM RUNNING AT LARGE; CIVIL\nPENALTY (\u00a7 3.2-6538)\n\nAny locality may by ordinance prohibit the running at large of all or any\ncategory of dogs, except dogs used for hunting, in all or any designated portion\nof such locality during such months as it may designate. Any such locality may\nalso require that dogs be confined, restricted, or penned up during such\nperiods. For the purpose of this section, a dog shall be deemed to run at large\nwhile roaming or running off the property of its owner or custodian and not\nunder its owner’s or custodian’s immediate control. Any person who\npermits his dog to run at large or remain unconfined, unrestricted, or not\npenned up shall be deemed to have violated an ordinance adopted pursuant to the\nprovisions of this section. Such ordinance shall provide that the owner or\ncustodian of any dog found running at large in a pack shall be subject to a\ncivil penalty in an amount established by the locality not to exceed $100 per\ndog so found. For the purpose of such ordinance, a dog shall be deemed to be\nrunning at large in a pack if it is running at large in the company of one or\nmore other dogs that are also running at large. Any civil penalty collected\npursuant to such ordinance shall be deposited by the treasurer of the locality\npursuant to the provisions of \u00a7 3.2-6534.\n\nHISTORY: 1984, c. 492, \u00a7 29-213.63; 1987, c. 488, \u00a7 3.1-796.93; 2008, c. 860;\n2019, c. 562.","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}}