{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/3.2-6540.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/3.2-6540.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/3.2-6540.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/3.2-6540.html"}],"law_id":86290,"edition_id":1,"section_id":86290,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6540","catch_line":"Dangerous dogs; investigation, summons, and hearing","history":"1993, c. 977, \u00a7 3.1-796.93:1; 1994, c. 115; 1997, cc. 582, 892; 1998, c. 817; 2000, cc. 11, 727; 2003, cc. 785, 841; 2006, cc. 837, 864, 898; 2008, cc. 360, 551, 691, 860; 2009, c. 377; 2012, cc. 107, 236; 2013, cc. 58, 732; 2017, c. 396; 2019, c. 190; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 464; 2024, c. 145.","full_text":"A\n\nAs used in this section, “dog” includes a hybrid canine as defined in § 3.2-6581.B\n\nAny law-enforcement officer or animal control officer who (i) has reason to believe that an animal is a dangerous dog and (ii) is located in the jurisdiction where the animal resides or in the jurisdiction where the act was committed may apply to a magistrate for the issuance of a summons requiring the owner, if known, to appear before a general district court at a specified time. The summons shall advise the owner of the nature of the proceeding and the matters at issue.C\n\nNo law-enforcement officer or animal control officer shall apply for a summons pursuant to subsection B if, upon investigation, the officer finds (i) in the case of an injury to a companion animal that is a dog or cat, that no serious injury has occurred as a result of the attack or bite, that both animals are owned by the same person, or that the incident originated on the property of the attacking or biting dog’s owner or (ii) in the case of an injury to a person, that the injury caused by the dog upon the person consists solely of a single nip or bite resulting only in a scratch, abrasion, or other minor injury. In determining whether serious injury to a companion animal that is a dog or cat has occurred, the officer may consult with a licensed veterinarian.D\n\nA law-enforcement officer or animal control officer who applies for a summons pursuant to subsection B shall provide the owner with written notice of such application. For 30 days following such provision of written notice, the owner shall not dispose of the animal other than by surrender to the animal control officer or by euthanasia by a licensed veterinarian. Following such provision of written notice, an owner who elects to euthanize a dog that is the subject of a dangerous dog investigation shall provide documentation of such euthanasia to the animal control officer.E\n\nIf a law-enforcement officer successfully makes an application for the issuance of a summons pursuant to subsection B, he shall contact the local animal control officer and inform him of the location of the dog and the relevant facts pertaining to his belief that the dog is dangerous.F\n\nFollowing the issuance of a summons following an application pursuant to subsection B, an animal control officer may confine the animal until the evidence is heard and a verdict rendered. If the animal control officer determines that the owner can confine the animal in a manner that protects the public safety, he may permit the owner to confine the animal until the evidence is heard and a verdict rendered. Upon being served with a summons for a dangerous dog, the owner shall not dispose of the animal, other than by euthanasia, until the case has been adjudicated. The court, through its contempt powers, may compel the owner of the animal to produce the animal and to provide documentation that it has been, or will be within three business days, implanted with electronic identification registered to the owner. The owner shall provide the registration information to the animal control officer.G\n\nNothing in this section shall prohibit an animal control officer or law-enforcement officer from securing a summons for a hearing to determine whether a dog that is surrendered but not euthanized is a dangerous dog.H\n\nUnless good cause is determined by the court, the evidentiary hearing pursuant to the dangerous dog summons shall be within 30 days or as soon as practicable from the issuance of the summons. The procedure for appeal and trial shall be the same as provided by law for misdemeanors. Trial by jury shall be as provided in Article 4 (§ 19.2-260 et seq.) of Chapter 15 of Title 19.2. The Commonwealth shall be required to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court shall determine that the animal is a dangerous dog if the evidence shows that it (i) killed a companion animal that is a dog or cat or inflicted serious injury on a companion animal that is a dog or cat, including a serious impairment of health or bodily function that requires significant medical attention, a serious disfigurement, any injury that has a reasonable potential to cause death, or any injury other than a sprain or strain or (ii) directly caused serious injury to a person, including laceration, broken bone, or substantial puncture of skin by teeth. Unless good cause is determined by the court, the appeal of a dangerous dog finding shall be heard within 30 days.I\n\nIf after hearing the evidence the court finds that the animal is a dangerous dog, the court:1\n\nShall order the animal’s owner to comply with the provisions of this section and §§ 3.2-6540.01, 3.2-6542, and 3.2-6542.1;2\n\nMay order the owner of the animal to pay restitution for actual damages to any person injured by the animal or whose companion animal was injured or killed by the animal. Such order shall not preclude the injured person from pursuing civil remedies, including damages that accrue after the original finding that the animal is a dangerous dog; and3\n\nMay order the owner to pay all reasonable expenses incurred in caring and providing for such dangerous dog from the time the animal is taken into custody until such time as the animal is disposed of or returned to the owner.J\n\nIf after hearing the evidence the court decides to defer further proceedings without entering an adjudication that the animal is a dangerous dog, it may do so, notwithstanding any other provision of this section. A court that defers further proceedings shall place specific conditions upon the owner of the dog, including the requirement that the owner provide documentation that the dog has been, or will be within three business days, implanted with electronic identification registered to the owner. The registration information shall be provided to the animal control officer. If the owner violates any of the conditions, the court may enter an adjudication that the animal is a dangerous dog and proceed as otherwise provided in this section. Upon fulfillment of the conditions, the court shall dismiss the proceedings against the animal and the owner without an adjudication that the animal is a dangerous dog.K\n\nNo animal shall be found by the court to be a dangerous dog:1\n\nSolely because it is a particular breed;2\n\nIf the threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who was (i) committing at the time a crime upon the premises occupied by the animal’s owner; (ii) committing at the time a willful trespass upon the premises occupied by the animal’s owner; or (iii) provoking, tormenting, or physically abusing the animal or can be shown to have repeatedly provoked, tormented, abused, or assaulted the animal at other times;3\n\nIf the animal is a police dog that was engaged in the performance of its duties as such at the time of the act complained of;4\n\nIf at the time of the acts complained of the animal was responding to pain or injury or was protecting itself, its kennel, its offspring, a person, or its owner’s property;5\n\nAs a result of killing or inflicting serious injury on a dog or cat while engaged with its owner as part of lawful hunting or participating in an organized, lawful dog handling event; or6\n\nIf the court determines based on the totality of the evidence before it, or for other good cause, that the dog is not dangerous or a threat to the community.L\n\nIf the owner of an animal found to be a dangerous dog is a minor, the custodial parent or legal guardian shall be responsible for complying with all requirements of this section and §§ 3.2-6540.01, 3.2-6540.02, 3.2-6540.03, 3.2-6540.04, 3.2-6542, and 3.2-6542.1.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":309018,"text":"As used in this section, “dog” includes a hybrid canine as defined in § 3.2-6581.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":309019,"text":"Any law-enforcement officer or animal control officer who (i) has reason to believe that an animal is a dangerous dog and (ii) is located in the jurisdiction where the animal resides or in the jurisdiction where the act was committed may apply to a magistrate for the issuance of a summons requiring the owner, if known, to appear before a general district court at a specified time. The summons shall advise the owner of the nature of the proceeding and the matters at issue.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":309020,"text":"No law-enforcement officer or animal control officer shall apply for a summons pursuant to subsection B if, upon investigation, the officer finds (i) in the case of an injury to a companion animal that is a dog or cat, that no serious injury has occurred as a result of the attack or bite, that both animals are owned by the same person, or that the incident originated on the property of the attacking or biting dog’s owner or (ii) in the case of an injury to a person, that the injury caused by the dog upon the person consists solely of a single nip or bite resulting only in a scratch, abrasion, or other minor injury. In determining whether serious injury to a companion animal that is a dog or cat has occurred, the officer may consult with a licensed veterinarian.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":309021,"text":"A law-enforcement officer or animal control officer who applies for a summons pursuant to subsection B shall provide the owner with written notice of such application. For 30 days following such provision of written notice, the owner shall not dispose of the animal other than by surrender to the animal control officer or by euthanasia by a licensed veterinarian. Following such provision of written notice, an owner who elects to euthanize a dog that is the subject of a dangerous dog investigation shall provide documentation of such euthanasia to the animal control officer.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":309022,"text":"If a law-enforcement officer successfully makes an application for the issuance of a summons pursuant to subsection B, he shall contact the local animal control officer and inform him of the location of the dog and the relevant facts pertaining to his belief that the dog is dangerous.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":309023,"text":"Following the issuance of a summons following an application pursuant to subsection B, an animal control officer may confine the animal until the evidence is heard and a verdict rendered. If the animal control officer determines that the owner can confine the animal in a manner that protects the public safety, he may permit the owner to confine the animal until the evidence is heard and a verdict rendered. Upon being served with a summons for a dangerous dog, the owner shall not dispose of the animal, other than by euthanasia, until the case has been adjudicated. The court, through its contempt powers, may compel the owner of the animal to produce the animal and to provide documentation that it has been, or will be within three business days, implanted with electronic identification registered to the owner. The owner shall provide the registration information to the animal control officer.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":309024,"text":"Nothing in this section shall prohibit an animal control officer or law-enforcement officer from securing a summons for a hearing to determine whether a dog that is surrendered but not euthanized is a dangerous dog.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"7":{"id":309025,"text":"Unless good cause is determined by the court, the evidentiary hearing pursuant to the dangerous dog summons shall be within 30 days or as soon as practicable from the issuance of the summons. The procedure for appeal and trial shall be the same as provided by law for misdemeanors. Trial by jury shall be as provided in Article 4 (§ 19.2-260 et seq.) of Chapter 15 of Title 19.2. The Commonwealth shall be required to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court shall determine that the animal is a dangerous dog if the evidence shows that it (i) killed a companion animal that is a dog or cat or inflicted serious injury on a companion animal that is a dog or cat, including a serious impairment of health or bodily function that requires significant medical attention, a serious disfigurement, any injury that has a reasonable potential to cause death, or any injury other than a sprain or strain or (ii) directly caused serious injury to a person, including laceration, broken bone, or substantial puncture of skin by teeth. Unless good cause is determined by the court, the appeal of a dangerous dog finding shall be heard within 30 days.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G","next_prefix":"I"},"8":{"id":309026,"text":"If after hearing the evidence the court finds that the animal is a dangerous dog, the court:","type":"section","prefixes":["I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"I","prefix_anchor":"I","level":1,"prior_prefix":"H","next_prefix":"I1"},"9":{"id":309027,"text":"Shall order the animal’s owner to comply with the provisions of this section and §§ 3.2-6540.01, 3.2-6542, and 3.2-6542.1;","type":"section","prefixes":["I","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"I1","prefix_anchor":"I1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"I","next_prefix":"I2"},"10":{"id":309028,"text":"May order the owner of the animal to pay restitution for actual damages to any person injured by the animal or whose companion animal was injured or killed by the animal. Such order shall not preclude the injured person from pursuing civil remedies, including damages that accrue after the original finding that the animal is a dangerous dog; and","type":"section","prefixes":["I","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"I2","prefix_anchor":"I2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"I1","next_prefix":"I3"},"11":{"id":309029,"text":"May order the owner to pay all reasonable expenses incurred in caring and providing for such dangerous dog from the time the animal is taken into custody until such time as the animal is disposed of or returned to the owner.","type":"section","prefixes":["I","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"I3","prefix_anchor":"I3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"I2","next_prefix":"J"},"12":{"id":309030,"text":"If after hearing the evidence the court decides to defer further proceedings without entering an adjudication that the animal is a dangerous dog, it may do so, notwithstanding any other provision of this section. A court that defers further proceedings shall place specific conditions upon the owner of the dog, including the requirement that the owner provide documentation that the dog has been, or will be within three business days, implanted with electronic identification registered to the owner. The registration information shall be provided to the animal control officer. If the owner violates any of the conditions, the court may enter an adjudication that the animal is a dangerous dog and proceed as otherwise provided in this section. Upon fulfillment of the conditions, the court shall dismiss the proceedings against the animal and the owner without an adjudication that the animal is a dangerous dog.","type":"section","prefixes":["J"],"prefix":"J","entire_prefix":"J","prefix_anchor":"J","level":1,"prior_prefix":"I3","next_prefix":"K"},"13":{"id":309031,"text":"No animal shall be found by the court to be a dangerous dog:","type":"section","prefixes":["K"],"prefix":"K","entire_prefix":"K","prefix_anchor":"K","level":1,"prior_prefix":"J","next_prefix":"K1"},"14":{"id":309032,"text":"Solely because it is a particular breed;","type":"section","prefixes":["K","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"K1","prefix_anchor":"K1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"K","next_prefix":"K2"},"15":{"id":309033,"text":"If the threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who was (i) committing at the time a crime upon the premises occupied by the animal’s owner; (ii) committing at the time a willful trespass upon the premises occupied by the animal’s owner; or (iii) provoking, tormenting, or physically abusing the animal or can be shown to have repeatedly provoked, tormented, abused, or assaulted the animal at other times;","type":"section","prefixes":["K","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"K2","prefix_anchor":"K2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"K1","next_prefix":"K3"},"16":{"id":309034,"text":"If the animal is a police dog that was engaged in the performance of its duties as such at the time of the act complained of;","type":"section","prefixes":["K","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"K3","prefix_anchor":"K3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"K2","next_prefix":"K4"},"17":{"id":309035,"text":"If at the time of the acts complained of the animal was responding to pain or injury or was protecting itself, its kennel, its offspring, a person, or its owner’s property;","type":"section","prefixes":["K","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"K4","prefix_anchor":"K4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"K3","next_prefix":"K5"},"18":{"id":309036,"text":"As a result of killing or inflicting serious injury on a dog or cat while engaged with its owner as part of lawful hunting or participating in an organized, lawful dog handling event; or","type":"section","prefixes":["K","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"K5","prefix_anchor":"K5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"K4","next_prefix":"K6"},"19":{"id":309037,"text":"If the court determines based on the totality of the evidence before it, or for other good cause, that the dog is not dangerous or a threat to the community.","type":"section","prefixes":["K","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"K6","prefix_anchor":"K6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"K5","next_prefix":"L"},"20":{"id":309038,"text":"If the owner of an animal found to be a dangerous dog is a minor, the custodial parent or legal guardian shall be responsible for complying with all requirements of this section and §§ 3.2-6540.01, 3.2-6540.02, 3.2-6540.03, 3.2-6540.04, 3.2-6542, and 3.2-6542.1.","type":"section","prefixes":["L"],"prefix":"L","entire_prefix":"L","prefix_anchor":"L","level":1,"prior_prefix":"K6"}},"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; 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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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/3.2-6540\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1993. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 977 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 1993 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 13 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 1994, chapter 115<\/a>; in 1997, chapters 582<\/a> and 892<\/a>; in 1998, chapter 817<\/a>; in 2000, chapters 11<\/a> and 727<\/a>; in 2003, chapters 785<\/a> and 841<\/a>; in 2006, chapters 837<\/a>, 864<\/a>, and 898<\/a>; in 2008, chapters 360<\/a>, 551<\/a>, 691<\/a>, and 860<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 377<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 107<\/a> and 236<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 58<\/a> and 732<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 396<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 190<\/a>; in 2024, chapter 145<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":78978,"section_number":"3.2-6540.01","catch_line":"Obligations of officer and owner following dangerous dog finding","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6540.01\/"},{"id":61898,"section_number":"3.2-6540.02","catch_line":"Notice of dangerous dog finding; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6540.02\/"},{"id":76550,"section_number":"3.2-6540.03","catch_line":"Violation of law by owner of dangerous dog; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6540.03\/"},{"id":54186,"section_number":"3.2-6540.04","catch_line":"Subsequent attack or bite by dangerous dog; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6540.04\/"},{"id":71489,"section_number":"3.2-6542.1","catch_line":"Renewal of dangerous dog registration","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6542.1\/"},{"id":81226,"section_number":"3.2-6542.2","catch_line":"Dangerous dog fees; local fund","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6542.2\/"},{"id":66579,"section_number":"3.2-6543.1","catch_line":"Authority to enact parallel dangerous dog ordinance","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6543.1\/"},{"id":72218,"section_number":"3.2-6570","catch_line":"Cruelty to animals; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6570\/"},{"id":83158,"section_number":"3.2-6581","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6581\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":60834,"section_number":"19.2-260","catch_line":"Provisions of Title 8.01 apply except as provided in this article","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-260\/"},{"id":78978,"section_number":"3.2-6540.01","catch_line":"Obligations of officer and owner following dangerous dog finding","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6540.01\/"},{"id":61898,"section_number":"3.2-6540.02","catch_line":"Notice of dangerous dog finding; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6540.02\/"},{"id":76550,"section_number":"3.2-6540.03","catch_line":"Violation of law by owner of dangerous dog; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6540.03\/"},{"id":54186,"section_number":"3.2-6540.04","catch_line":"Subsequent attack or bite by dangerous dog; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6540.04\/"},{"id":60877,"section_number":"3.2-6542","catch_line":"Establishment of Dangerous Dog Registry","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6542\/"},{"id":71489,"section_number":"3.2-6542.1","catch_line":"Renewal of dangerous dog registration","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6542.1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":198825,"object_type":"law","relational_id":86290,"identifier":"3.2-6540","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540","url":"\/3.2-6540\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/3.2-6540\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540","dublin_core":{"Title":"Dangerous dogs; investigation, summons, and hearing","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 3.2-6540","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> As used in this section, “dog<\/span>” includes a hybrid canine as defined in § 3.2-6581<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> or animal control officer<\/span> who (i) has reason to believe that an animal is a dangerous dog<\/span> and (ii) is located in the jurisdiction<\/span> where the animal resides or in the jurisdiction<\/span> where the act was committed may apply to a magistrate<\/span> for the issuance of a summons<\/span> requiring the owner<\/span>, if known, to appear before a general district court<\/span> at a specified time. The summons<\/span> shall advise the owner<\/span> of the nature of the proceeding and the matters at issue<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> No law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> or animal control officer<\/span> shall apply for a summons<\/span> pursuant to subsection B if, upon investigation, the officer finds (i) in the case of an injury to a companion animal<\/span> that is a dog<\/span> or cat, that no serious injury has occurred as a result of the attack or bite, that both animals<\/span> are owned by the same person, or that the incident originated on the property of the attacking or biting dog<\/span>’s owner<\/span> or (ii) in the case of an injury to a person, that the injury caused by the dog<\/span> upon the person consists solely of a single nip or bite resulting only in a scratch, abrasion, or other minor<\/span> injury. In determining whether serious injury to a companion animal<\/span> that is a dog<\/span> or cat has occurred, the officer may consult with a licensed veterinarian. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> A law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> or animal control officer<\/span> who applies for a summons<\/span> pursuant to subsection B shall provide the owner<\/span> with written notice of such application. For 30 days following such provision of written notice, the owner<\/span> shall not dispose of the animal other than by surrender to the animal control officer<\/span> or by euthanasia<\/span> by a licensed veterinarian. Following such provision of written notice, an owner<\/span> who elects to euthanize a dog<\/span> that is the subject of a dangerous dog<\/span> investigation shall provide documentation of such euthanasia<\/span> to the animal control officer<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> If a law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> successfully makes an application for the issuance of a summons<\/span> pursuant to subsection B, he shall contact the local animal control officer<\/span> and inform him of the location of the dog<\/span> and the relevant facts<\/span> pertaining to his belief that the dog<\/span> is dangerous. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Following the issuance of a summons<\/span> following an application pursuant to subsection B, an animal control officer<\/span> may confine the animal until the evidence<\/span> is heard and a verdict<\/span> rendered. If the animal control officer<\/span> determines that the owner<\/span> can confine the animal in a manner that protects the public safety, he may permit the owner<\/span> to confine the animal until the evidence<\/span> is heard and a verdict<\/span> rendered. Upon being served with a summons<\/span> for a dangerous dog<\/span>, the owner<\/span> shall not dispose of the animal, other than by euthanasia<\/span>, until the case has been adjudicated. The court<\/span>, through its contempt<\/span> powers, may compel the owner<\/span> of the animal to produce the animal and to provide documentation that it has been, or will be within three business days, implanted with electronic identification registered to the owner<\/span>. The owner<\/span> shall provide the registration information to the animal control officer<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> Nothing in this section shall prohibit an animal control officer<\/span> or law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> from securing a summons<\/span> for a hearing<\/span> to determine whether a dog<\/span> that is surrendered but not euthanized is a dangerous dog<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> Unless good cause is determined by the court<\/span>, the evidentiary hearing<\/span> pursuant to the dangerous dog<\/span> summons<\/span> shall be within 30 days or as soon as practicable from the issuance of the summons<\/span>. The procedure for appeal<\/span> and trial<\/span> shall be the same as provided by law<\/span> for misdemeanors<\/span>. Trial<\/span> by jury<\/span> shall be as provided in Article 4 (§ 19.2-260<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 15 of Title 19.2. The Commonwealth shall be required to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt<\/span>. The court<\/span> shall determine that the animal is a dangerous dog<\/span> if the evidence<\/span> shows that it (i) killed a companion animal<\/span> that is a dog<\/span> or cat or inflicted serious injury on a companion animal<\/span> that is a dog<\/span> or cat, including a serious impairment of health or bodily function that requires significant medical attention, a serious disfigurement, any injury that has a reasonable potential to cause death, or any injury other than a sprain or strain or (ii) directly caused serious injury to a person, including laceration, broken bone, or substantial puncture of skin by teeth. Unless good cause is determined by the court<\/span>, the appeal<\/span> of a dangerous dog<\/span> finding<\/span> shall be heard within 30 days. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

I.<\/span> If after hearing<\/span> the evidence<\/span> the court<\/span> finds that the animal is a dangerous dog<\/span>, the court<\/span>: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Shall order<\/span> the animal’s owner<\/span> to comply with the provisions of this section and §§ 3.2-6540.01<\/a>, 3.2-6542<\/a>, and 3.2-6542.1<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> May order<\/span> the owner<\/span> of the animal to pay restitution<\/span> for actual damages<\/span> to any person injured by the animal or whose companion animal<\/span> was injured or killed by the animal. Such order<\/span> shall not preclude the injured person from pursuing civil remedies, including damages<\/span> that accrue after the original finding<\/span> that the animal is a dangerous dog<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> May order<\/span> the owner<\/span> to pay all reasonable expenses incurred in caring and providing for such dangerous dog<\/span> from the time the animal is taken into custody<\/span> until such time as the animal is disposed of or returned to the owner<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

J.<\/span> If after hearing<\/span> the evidence<\/span> the court<\/span> decides to defer further proceedings without entering an adjudication that the animal is a dangerous dog<\/span>, it may do so, notwithstanding any other provision of this section. A court<\/span> that defers further proceedings shall place specific conditions upon the owner<\/span> of the dog<\/span>, including the requirement that the owner<\/span> provide documentation that the dog<\/span> has been, or will be within three business days, implanted with electronic identification registered to the owner<\/span>. The registration information shall be provided to the animal control officer<\/span>. If the owner<\/span> violates any of the conditions, the court<\/span> may enter an adjudication that the animal is a dangerous dog<\/span> and proceed as otherwise provided in this section. Upon fulfillment of the conditions, the court<\/span> shall dismiss the proceedings against the animal and the owner<\/span> without an adjudication that the animal is a dangerous dog<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

K.<\/span> No animal shall be found by the court<\/span> to be a dangerous dog<\/span>: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Solely because it is a particular breed; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> If the threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who was (i) committing at the time a crime<\/span> upon the premises occupied by the animal’s owner<\/span>; (ii) committing at the time a willful trespass upon the premises occupied by the animal’s owner<\/span>; or (iii) provoking, tormenting, or physically abusing the animal or can be shown to have repeatedly provoked, tormented, abused, or assaulted the animal at other times; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> If the animal is a police dog<\/span> that was engaged in the performance of its duties as such at the time of the act complained of; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> If at the time of the acts complained of the animal was responding to pain or injury or was protecting itself, its kennel<\/span>, its offspring, a person, or its owner<\/span>’s property; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> As a result of killing or inflicting serious injury on a dog<\/span> or cat while engaged with its owner<\/span> as part of lawful hunting or participating in an organized, lawful dog<\/span> handling event; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> If the court<\/span> determines based on the totality of the evidence<\/span> before it, or for other good cause, that the dog<\/span> is not dangerous or a threat to the community. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

L.<\/span> If the owner<\/span> of an animal found to be a dangerous dog<\/span> is a minor<\/span>, the custodial parent or legal guardian shall be responsible for complying with all requirements of this section and §§ 3.2-6540.01<\/a>, 3.2-6540.02<\/a>, 3.2-6540.03<\/a>, 3.2-6540.04<\/a>, 3.2-6542<\/a>, and 3.2-6542.1<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDANGEROUS DOGS; INVESTIGATION, SUMMONS, AND HEARING (\u00a7 3.2-6540)\n\nA. As used in this section, “dog” includes a hybrid canine as\ndefined in § 3.2-6581.\n\nB. Any law-enforcement officer or animal control officer who (i) has reason to\nbelieve that an animal is a dangerous dog and (ii) is located in the\njurisdiction where the animal resides or in the jurisdiction where the act was\ncommitted may apply to a magistrate for the issuance of a summons requiring the\nowner, if known, to appear before a general district court at a specified time.\nThe summons shall advise the owner of the nature of the proceeding and the\nmatters at issue.\n\nC. No law-enforcement officer or animal control officer shall apply for a\nsummons pursuant to subsection B if, upon investigation, the officer finds (i)\nin the case of an injury to a companion animal that is a dog or cat, that no\nserious injury has occurred as a result of the attack or bite, that both animals\nare owned by the same person, or that the incident originated on the property of\nthe attacking or biting dog’s owner or (ii) in the case of an injury to a\nperson, that the injury caused by the dog upon the person consists solely of a\nsingle nip or bite resulting only in a scratch, abrasion, or other minor injury.\nIn determining whether serious injury to a companion animal that is a dog or cat\nhas occurred, the officer may consult with a licensed veterinarian.\n\nD. A law-enforcement officer or animal control officer who applies for a summons\npursuant to subsection B shall provide the owner with written notice of such\napplication. For 30 days following such provision of written notice, the owner\nshall not dispose of the animal other than by surrender to the animal control\nofficer or by euthanasia by a licensed veterinarian. Following such provision of\nwritten notice, an owner who elects to euthanize a dog that is the subject of a\ndangerous dog investigation shall provide documentation of such euthanasia to\nthe animal control officer.\n\nE. If a law-enforcement officer successfully makes an application for the\nissuance of a summons pursuant to subsection B, he shall contact the local\nanimal control officer and inform him of the location of the dog and the\nrelevant facts pertaining to his belief that the dog is dangerous.\n\nF. Following the issuance of a summons following an application pursuant to\nsubsection B, an animal control officer may confine the animal until the\nevidence is heard and a verdict rendered. If the animal control officer\ndetermines that the owner can confine the animal in a manner that protects the\npublic safety, he may permit the owner to confine the animal until the evidence\nis heard and a verdict rendered. Upon being served with a summons for a\ndangerous dog, the owner shall not dispose of the animal, other than by\neuthanasia, until the case has been adjudicated. The court, through its contempt\npowers, may compel the owner of the animal to produce the animal and to provide\ndocumentation that it has been, or will be within three business days, implanted\nwith electronic identification registered to the owner. The owner shall provide\nthe registration information to the animal control officer.\n\nG. Nothing in this section shall prohibit an animal control officer or\nlaw-enforcement officer from securing a summons for a hearing to determine\nwhether a dog that is surrendered but not euthanized is a dangerous dog.\n\nH. Unless good cause is determined by the court, the evidentiary hearing\npursuant to the dangerous dog summons shall be within 30 days or as soon as\npracticable from the issuance of the summons. The procedure for appeal and trial\nshall be the same as provided by law for misdemeanors. Trial by jury shall be as\nprovided in Article 4 (§ 19.2-260 et seq.) of Chapter 15 of Title 19.2. The\nCommonwealth shall be required to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The\ncourt shall determine that the animal is a dangerous dog if the evidence shows\nthat it (i) killed a companion animal that is a dog or cat or inflicted serious\ninjury on a companion animal that is a dog or cat, including a serious\nimpairment of health or bodily function that requires significant medical\nattention, a serious disfigurement, any injury that has a reasonable potential\nto cause death, or any injury other than a sprain or strain or (ii) directly\ncaused serious injury to a person, including laceration, broken bone, or\nsubstantial puncture of skin by teeth. Unless good cause is determined by the\ncourt, the appeal of a dangerous dog finding shall be heard within 30 days.\n\nI. If after hearing the evidence the court finds that the animal is a dangerous\ndog, the court:\n\n 1. Shall order the animal’s owner to comply with the provisions of this\n section and §§ 3.2-6540.01, 3.2-6542, and 3.2-6542.1;\n\n 2. May order the owner of the animal to pay restitution for actual damages to\n any person injured by the animal or whose companion animal was injured or\n killed by the animal. Such order shall not preclude the injured person from\n pursuing civil remedies, including damages that accrue after the original\n finding that the animal is a dangerous dog; and\n\n 3. May order the owner to pay all reasonable expenses incurred in caring and\n providing for such dangerous dog from the time the animal is taken into\n custody until such time as the animal is disposed of or returned to the owner.\n\nJ. If after hearing the evidence the court decides to defer further proceedings\nwithout entering an adjudication that the animal is a dangerous dog, it may do\nso, notwithstanding any other provision of this section. A court that defers\nfurther proceedings shall place specific conditions upon the owner of the dog,\nincluding the requirement that the owner provide documentation that the dog has\nbeen, or will be within three business days, implanted with electronic\nidentification registered to the owner. The registration information shall be\nprovided to the animal control officer. If the owner violates any of the\nconditions, the court may enter an adjudication that the animal is a dangerous\ndog and proceed as otherwise provided in this section. Upon fulfillment of the\nconditions, the court shall dismiss the proceedings against the animal and the\nowner without an adjudication that the animal is a dangerous dog.\n\nK. No animal shall be found by the court to be a dangerous dog:\n\n 1. Solely because it is a particular breed;\n\n 2. If the threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who was (i)\n committing at the time a crime upon the premises occupied by the\n animal’s owner; (ii) committing at the time a willful trespass upon the\n premises occupied by the animal’s owner; or (iii) provoking, tormenting,\n or physically abusing the animal or can be shown to have repeatedly provoked,\n tormented, abused, or assaulted the animal at other times;\n\n 3. If the animal is a police dog that was engaged in the performance of its\n duties as such at the time of the act complained of;\n\n 4. If at the time of the acts complained of the animal was responding to pain\n or injury or was protecting itself, its kennel, its offspring, a person, or\n its owner’s property;\n\n 5. As a result of killing or inflicting serious injury on a dog or cat while\n engaged with its owner as part of lawful hunting or participating in an\n organized, lawful dog handling event; or\n\n 6. If the court determines based on the totality of the evidence before it, or\n for other good cause, that the dog is not dangerous or a threat to the\n community.\n\nL. If the owner of an animal found to be a dangerous dog is a minor, the\ncustodial parent or legal guardian shall be responsible for complying with all\nrequirements of this section and §§ 3.2-6540.01, 3.2-6540.02,\n3.2-6540.03, 3.2-6540.04, 3.2-6542, and 3.2-6542.1.\n\nHISTORY: 1993, c. 977, \u00a7 3.1-796.93:1; 1994, c. 115; 1997, cc. 582, 892; 1998,\nc. 817; 2000, cc. 11, 727; 2003, cc. 785, 841; 2006, cc. 837, 864, 898; 2008,\ncc. 360, 551, 691, 860; 2009, c. 377; 2012, cc. 107, 236; 2013, cc. 58, 732;\n2017, c. 396; 2019, c. 190; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 464; 2024, c. 145.","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}}