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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>63833</law_id><section_number>3.2-4411</section_number><catch_line>Abandoned apiaries</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="3.2">Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food</unit><unit label="subtitle" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="III">Production and Sale of Agricultural Products</unit><unit label="chapter" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="44">Beekeeping</unit></structure><text>
						<section><p>The State Apiarist may deem an <span class="dictionary">apiary</span> to be abandoned if: (i) the <span class="dictionary">bees</span> and <span class="dictionary">hives</span> show <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> of a period of neglect exceeding one year; and (ii) the owner of the <span class="dictionary">apiary</span> has not been identified through a reasonable search of available records. If the State Apiarist deems an <span class="dictionary">apiary</span> to be abandoned, he shall certify his <span class="dictionary">findings</span> in a declaration of abandonment to the treasurer of the locality where the <span class="dictionary">apiary</span> is located. The treasurer shall give notice of such certification to the last known owner of the <span class="dictionary">apiary</span> and the owner of the land upon which the <span class="dictionary">apiary</span> is located by personal service, by posting at last known residence, or by publication. If after 60 days, the owner or landowner has not laid claim to the <span class="dictionary">apiary</span>, the treasurer may hold a sheriff&#x2019;s sale, <span class="dictionary">issue</span> a treasurer&#x2019;s deed to the successful bidder, and deposit any proceeds into the general fund of the locality. If <span class="dictionary">disposition</span> is not made within 90 days of the date of the declaration of abandonment, the State Apiarist may take <span class="dictionary">possession</span> of the <span class="dictionary">apiary</span> and destroy the related <span class="dictionary">bees</span>, <span class="dictionary">hives</span>, and equipment.</p></section></text><history>1972, c. 499, &#xA7; 3.1-610.18; 2008, c. 860.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
