                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

COMPLAINT OF SUSPECTED VIOLATION; INVESTIGATION (§ 3.2-6564)

A. Upon receiving a complaint of a suspected violation of this chapter, any
ordinance enacted pursuant to this chapter or any law for the protection of
domestic animals, any animal control officer, law-enforcement officer, or State
Veterinarian&#8217;s representative may, for the purpose of investigating the
allegations of the complaint, enter upon, during business hours, any business
premises, including any place where animals or animal records are housed or
kept, of any dealer, pet shop, groomer, or boarding establishment. Upon
receiving a complaint of a suspected violation of any law or ordinance regarding
care or treatment of animals or disposal of dead animals, any humane
investigator may, for the purpose of investigating the allegations of the
complaint, enter upon, during business hours, any business premises, including
any place where animals or animal records are housed or kept, of any dealer, pet
shop, groomer, or boarding establishment.
			Upon obtaining a warrant as provided for in &#xA7; 3.2-6568, the
law-enforcement officer, animal control officer, State Veterinarian&#8217;s
representative, or humane investigator may enter upon any other premises where
the animal or animals described in the complaint are housed or kept. Attorneys
for the Commonwealth and law-enforcement officials shall provide such assistance
as may be required in the conduct of such investigations.

B. If the investigation discloses that a violation of &#xA7; 3.2-6503 has
occurred, the investigating official shall notify the owner or custodian of the
complaint and of what action is necessary to comply with this chapter.

HISTORY: 1984, c. 492, § 29-213.76; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.107; 1991, c. 451;
1993, c. 174; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860.