                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

USE OF DRUGS ON VERTEBRATE WILDLIFE (§ 29.1-508.1)

A. Without written authorization from the Director or his designee, it is
unlawful to administer any drug to any vertebrate wildlife, except in accordance
with a permit issued under the provisions of this title or regulations adopted
by the Board. This prohibition shall include, but not be limited to, drugs used
for fertility control, disease prevention or treatment, immobilization, or
growth stimulation. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the treatment of sick
or injured wild animals by licensed veterinarians or permitted wildlife
rehabilitators. This section shall not limit employees of agencies of the
Commonwealth, the United States, or local animal control officers in the
performance of their official duties related to public health, wildlife
management, or wildlife removal. For the purposes of this section, the term
&#8220;drug&#8221; means any chemical substance, other than food, that affects
the structure or biological function of wildlife species.

B. The Department may take possession and dispose of any vertebrate wildlife if
it believes that drugs have been administered to such wildlife in violation of
this section.

C. Any person violating this section is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

HISTORY: 2004, c. 171.