{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/3.2-6543.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/3.2-6543.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/3.2-6543.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/3.2-6543.html"}],"law_id":78689,"edition_id":1,"section_id":78689,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6543","catch_line":"Governing body of any locality may adopt certain ordinances","history":"1976, c. 182, \u00a7 15.1-29.1:1; 1984, c. 492, \u00a7 29-213.64; 1987, c. 488, \u00a7 3.1-796.94; 1993, c. 959; 1994, cc. 115, 630; 1995, c. 832; 1997, c. 587; 1998, c. 817; 2005, c. 304; 2008, c. 860; 2009, c. 107.","full_text":"A\n\nThe governing body of any locality of the Commonwealth may adopt, and make more stringent, ordinances that parallel §§ 3.2-6521 through 3.2-6539, 3.2-6546 through 3.2-6555, 3.2-6562, 3.2-6569, 3.2-6570, 3.2-6574 through 3.2-6580, and 3.2-6585 through 3.2-6590. Any town may choose to adopt by reference any ordinance of the surrounding county adopted under this section to be applied within its town limits, in lieu of adopting an ordinance of its own.\n\t\t\tAny funds collected pursuant to the enforcement of ordinances adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section may be used for the purpose of defraying the costs of local animal control, including efforts to promote sterilization of cats and dogs.B\n\nAny locality may, by ordinance, establish uniform schedules of civil penalties for violations of specific provisions of ordinances adopted pursuant to this section. Civil penalties may not be imposed for violations of ordinances that parallel § 3.2-6570. Designation of a particular violation for a civil penalty shall be in lieu of criminal sanctions and preclude prosecution of such violation as a criminal misdemeanor. The schedule for civil penalties shall be uniform for each type of specified violation and the penalty for any one violation shall not be more than $150. Imposition of civil penalties shall not preclude an action for injunctive, declaratory or other equitable relief. Moneys raised pursuant to this subsection shall be placed in the locality’s general fund.\n\t\t\tAn animal control officer or law-enforcement officer may issue a summons for a violation. Any person summoned or issued a ticket for a scheduled violation may make an appearance in person or in writing by mail to the department of finance or the treasurer of the locality issuing the summons or ticket prior to the date fixed for trial in court. Any person so appearing may enter a waiver of trial, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty established for the offense charged.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":281990,"text":"The governing body of any locality of the Commonwealth may adopt, and make more stringent, ordinances that parallel §§ 3.2-6521 through 3.2-6539, 3.2-6546 through 3.2-6555, 3.2-6562, 3.2-6569, 3.2-6570, 3.2-6574 through 3.2-6580, and 3.2-6585 through 3.2-6590. Any town may choose to adopt by reference any ordinance of the surrounding county adopted under this section to be applied within its town limits, in lieu of adopting an ordinance of its own.\n\t\t\tAny funds collected pursuant to the enforcement of ordinances adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section may be used for the purpose of defraying the costs of local animal control, including efforts to promote sterilization of cats and dogs.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":281991,"text":"Any locality may, by ordinance, establish uniform schedules of civil penalties for violations of specific provisions of ordinances adopted pursuant to this section. Civil penalties may not be imposed for violations of ordinances that parallel § 3.2-6570. Designation of a particular violation for a civil penalty shall be in lieu of criminal sanctions and preclude prosecution of such violation as a criminal misdemeanor. The schedule for civil penalties shall be uniform for each type of specified violation and the penalty for any one violation shall not be more than $150. Imposition of civil penalties shall not preclude an action for injunctive, declaratory or other equitable relief. Moneys raised pursuant to this subsection shall be placed in the locality’s general fund.\n\t\t\tAn animal control officer or law-enforcement officer may issue a summons for a violation. Any person summoned or issued a ticket for a scheduled violation may make an appearance in person or in writing by mail to the department of finance or the treasurer of the locality issuing the summons or ticket prior to the date fixed for trial in court. Any person so appearing may enter a waiver of trial, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty established for the offense charged.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A"}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/3.2-6543\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1976. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 182 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 1976 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 10 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 1984, chapter 492; in 1987, chapter 488; in 1993, chapter 959; in 1994, chapters 115<\/a> and 630<\/a>; in 1995, chapter 832<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>; in 1998, chapter 817<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 304<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 860<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 107<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":86745,"section_number":"3.2-6521","catch_line":"Rabies inoculation of companion animals; availability of certificate; rabies clinics","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6521\/"},{"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":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":65545,"section_number":"3.2-6555","catch_line":"Position of animal control officer created","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6555\/"},{"id":86859,"section_number":"3.2-6562","catch_line":"Capturing, confining, and euthanizing companion animals by animal control officers; approval of drugs used","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6562\/"},{"id":55376,"section_number":"3.2-6569","catch_line":"Seizure and impoundment of animals; notice and hearing; disposition of animal; disposition of proceeds upon sale","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6569\/"},{"id":72218,"section_number":"3.2-6570","catch_line":"Cruelty to animals; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6570\/"},{"id":70938,"section_number":"3.2-6574","catch_line":"Sterilization of adopted dogs and cats; enforcement; civil penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6574\/"},{"id":82026,"section_number":"3.2-6580","catch_line":"Civil penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6580\/"},{"id":82320,"section_number":"3.2-6585","catch_line":"Dogs and cats deemed personal property; rights relating thereto","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6585\/"},{"id":62704,"section_number":"3.2-6590","catch_line":"Jurisdiction of general district courts; right of appeal","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6590\/"}],"permalink":{"id":198869,"object_type":"law","relational_id":78689,"identifier":"3.2-6543","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6543","url":"\/3.2-6543\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/3.2-6543\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6543","dublin_core":{"Title":"Governing body of any locality may adopt certain ordinances","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 3.2-6543","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The governing body of any locality of the Commonwealth may adopt, and make more stringent, ordinances<\/span> that parallel §§ 3.2-6521<\/a> through 3.2-6539<\/a>, 3.2-6546<\/a> through 3.2-6555<\/a>, 3.2-6562<\/a>, 3.2-6569<\/a>, 3.2-6570<\/a>, 3.2-6574<\/a> through 3.2-6580<\/a>, and 3.2-6585<\/a> through 3.2-6590<\/a>. Any town may choose to adopt by reference any ordinance<\/span> of the surrounding county adopted under this section to be applied within its town limits, in lieu of adopting an ordinance<\/span> of its own.\n\t\t\tAny funds collected pursuant to the enforcement of ordinances<\/span> adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section may be used for the purpose of defraying the costs of local animal<\/span> control, including efforts to promote sterilization<\/span> of cats and dogs. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any locality may, by ordinance<\/span>, establish uniform schedules<\/span> of civil penalties for violations of specific provisions of ordinances<\/span> adopted pursuant to this section. Civil penalties may not be imposed for violations of ordinances<\/span> that parallel § 3.2-6570<\/a>. Designation of a particular violation for a civil penalty<\/span> shall be in lieu of criminal sanctions<\/span> and preclude prosecution<\/span> of such violation as a criminal misdemeanor<\/span>. The schedule for civil penalties shall be uniform for each type of specified violation and the penalty<\/span> for any one violation shall not be more than $150. Imposition of civil penalties shall not preclude an action for injunctive, declaratory or other equitable<\/span> relief. Moneys raised pursuant to this subsection shall be placed in the locality’s general fund.\n\t\t\tAn animal control officer<\/span> or law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> may issue<\/span> a summons<\/span> for a violation. Any person summoned or issued a ticket for a scheduled violation may make an appearance<\/span> in person or in writing by mail to the department<\/span> of finance or the treasurer<\/span> of the locality issuing the summons<\/span> or ticket prior to the date fixed for trial<\/span> in court<\/span>. Any person so appearing may enter a waiver<\/span> of trial<\/span>, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty<\/span> established for the offense<\/span> charged. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nGOVERNING BODY OF ANY LOCALITY MAY ADOPT CERTAIN ORDINANCES (\u00a7 3.2-6543)\n\nA. The governing body of any locality of the Commonwealth may adopt, and make\nmore stringent, ordinances that parallel §§ 3.2-6521 through 3.2-6539,\n3.2-6546 through 3.2-6555, 3.2-6562, 3.2-6569, 3.2-6570, 3.2-6574 through\n3.2-6580, and 3.2-6585 through 3.2-6590. Any town may choose to adopt by\nreference any ordinance of the surrounding county adopted under this section to\nbe applied within its town limits, in lieu of adopting an ordinance of its own.\n\t\t\tAny funds collected pursuant to the enforcement of ordinances adopted\npursuant to the provisions of this section may be used for the purpose of\ndefraying the costs of local animal control, including efforts to promote\nsterilization of cats and dogs.\n\nB. Any locality may, by ordinance, establish uniform schedules of civil\npenalties for violations of specific provisions of ordinances adopted pursuant\nto this section. Civil penalties may not be imposed for violations of ordinances\nthat parallel § 3.2-6570. Designation of a particular violation for a civil\npenalty shall be in lieu of criminal sanctions and preclude prosecution of such\nviolation as a criminal misdemeanor. The schedule for civil penalties shall be\nuniform for each type of specified violation and the penalty for any one\nviolation shall not be more than $150. Imposition of civil penalties shall not\npreclude an action for injunctive, declaratory or other equitable relief. Moneys\nraised pursuant to this subsection shall be placed in the locality’s\ngeneral fund.\n\t\t\tAn animal control officer or law-enforcement officer may issue a summons for\na violation. Any person summoned or issued a ticket for a scheduled violation\nmay make an appearance in person or in writing by mail to the department of\nfinance or the treasurer of the locality issuing the summons or ticket prior to\nthe date fixed for trial in court. Any person so appearing may enter a waiver of\ntrial, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty established for the offense\ncharged.\n\nHISTORY: 1976, c. 182, \u00a7 15.1-29.1:1; 1984, c. 492, \u00a7 29-213.64; 1987, c. 488,\n\u00a7 3.1-796.94; 1993, c. 959; 1994, cc. 115, 630; 1995, c. 832; 1997, c. 587;\n1998, c. 817; 2005, c. 304; 2008, c. 860; 2009, c. 107.","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}}