                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

POSITION OF ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER CREATED (§ 3.2-6555)

The governing body of each county or city shall, or each town may, employ an
officer to be known as the animal control officer who shall have the power to
enforce this chapter, all ordinances enacted pursuant to this chapter and all
laws for the protection of domestic animals. The governing body may also employ
one or more deputy animal control officers to assist the animal control officer
in the performance of his duties. Animal control officers and deputy animal
control officers shall have knowledge of the animal control and protection laws
of the Commonwealth that they are required to enforce. When in uniform or upon
displaying a badge or other credentials of office, animal control officers and
deputy animal control officers shall have the power to issue a summons or obtain
a felony warrant as necessary, providing the execution of such warrant shall be
carried out by any law-enforcement officer as defined in § 9.1-101, to any
person found in the act of violating any such law or any ordinance enacted
pursuant to such law of the locality where the animal control officer or deputy
animal control officer is employed. Commercial dog breeding locations shall be
subject to inspection by animal control at least twice annually and additionally
upon receipt of a complaint or their own motion to ensure compliance with state
animal care laws and regulations. The animal control officer and the deputy
animal control officers shall be paid as the governing body of each locality
shall prescribe.
		Any locality where an animal control officer or deputy animal control officers
have been employed may contract with one or more additional localities for
enforcement of animal protection and control laws by the animal control officers
or deputy animal control officers. Any such contract may provide that the
locality employing the animal control officer or deputy animal control officers
shall be reimbursed a portion of the salary and expenses of the animal control
officer or deputy animal control officers.
		Every locality employing an animal control officer shall submit to the State
Veterinarian, on a form provided by him, information concerning the employment
and training status of the animal control officers employed by the locality. The
State Veterinarian may require that the locality notify him of any change in
such information.

HISTORY: 1984, cc. 254, 492, § 29-213.73; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.104; 1998,
c. 817; 2003, c. 804; 2004, c. 181; 2008, cc. 852, 860.