                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

OFFENSES INVOLVING ANIMALS — CLASS 4 MISDEMEANORS (§ 18.2-403.3)

The following unlawful acts and offenses against animals shall constitute and be
punished as a Class 4 misdemeanor:

1. Violation of &#xA7; 3.2-6566 pertaining to interference of agents charged
with preventing cruelty to animals.

2. Violation of &#xA7; 3.2-6573 pertaining to shooting pigeons.

3. Violation of &#xA7; 3.2-6554 pertaining to disposing of the body of a dead
companion animal.

4. Unless otherwise punishable under subsection B of &#xA7; 3.2-6587, violation
of ordinances passed pursuant to &#xA7;&#xA7; 3.2-6522 and 3.2-6525 pertaining
to rabid dogs and preventing the spread of rabies and the running at large of
vicious dogs.

5. Violation of an ordinance passed pursuant to &#xA7; 3.2-6539 requiring dogs
to be on a leash.

6. Failure by any person to secure and exhibit the permits required by &#xA7;
29.1-422 pertaining to field trails, night trails and foxhounds.

7. Diseased dogs. &#x2014; For the owner of any dog with a contagious or
infectious disease, other than rabies, to permit such dog to stray from his
premises if such disease is known to the owner.

8. License application. &#x2014; For any person to make a false statement in
order to secure a dog or cat license to which he is not entitled.

9. License tax. &#x2014; For any dog or cat owner to fail to pay any license tax
required by subsection A or C of &#xA7; 3.2-6530 within one month after the date
when it is due. In addition, the court may order confiscation and the proper
disposition of the dog or cat.

10. Concealing a dog or cat. &#x2014; For any person to conceal or harbor any
dog or cat on which any required license tax has not been paid.

11. Removing collar and tag. &#x2014; For any person, except the owner or
custodian, to remove a legally acquired license tag from a dog or cat without
the permission of the owner or custodian.

12. Violation of &#xA7; 3.2-6503 pertaining to care of animals by owner.

HISTORY: 1984, c. 492; 1993, cc. 174, 817; 2017, cc. 559, 567; 2020, c. 1183.