                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

POWER OF SEARCH FOR VIOLATIONS OF STATUTES AGAINST CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (§
3.2-6568)

When an affidavit is made under oath before a magistrate or court of competent
jurisdiction by any animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement
officer, or State Veterinarian&#8217;s representative that the complainant
believes and has reasonable cause to believe that the laws in relation to
cruelty to animals have been, are being, or are about to be violated in any
particular building or place, such magistrate or judge, if satisfied that there
is reasonable cause for such belief, shall issue a warrant authorizing any
sheriff, deputy sheriff, or police officer to search the building or place.
After issuing a warrant under this section, the magistrate or judge shall file
the affidavit in the manner prescribed by § 19.2-54. After executing the
warrant, the animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement
officer, or State Veterinarian&#8217;s representative shall return the warrant
to the clerk of the circuit court of the city or county wherein the search was
made.

HISTORY: 1984, c. 492, § 29-213.82; 1986, c. 362; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.113;
1994, c. 168; 1998, c. 817; 2008, cc. 543, 707, 860; 2014, c. 354.