                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

DEFINITIONS (§ 3.2-6581)

As used in this article:
		&#8220;Adequate confinement&#8221; means that, while on the property of its
owner and not under the direct supervision and control of the owner or
custodian, a hybrid canine shall be confined in a humane manner in a securely
enclosed and locked structure of sufficient height and design to: (i) prevent
the animal&#8217;s escape; or if the hybrid canine is determined to be a
dangerous dog pursuant to § 3.2-6540, the structure shall prevent direct
contact with any person or animal not authorized by the owner to be in direct
contact with the hybrid canine; and (ii) provide a minimum of 100 square feet of
floor space for each adult animal. Tethering of a hybrid canine not under the
direct supervision and control of the owner or custodian shall not be considered
adequate confinement.
		&#8220;Hybrid canine&#8221; means any animal that is or can be demonstrated to
be a hybrid of the domestic dog and any other species of the Canidae family;
that at any time has been permitted, registered, licensed, or advertised as
such; or that at any time has been described, represented, or reported as such
by its owner to a licensed veterinarian, law-enforcement officer, animal control
officer, humane investigator, official of the Department of Health, or State
Veterinarian&#8217;s representative.
		&#8220;Responsible ownership&#8221; means the ownership and humane care of a
hybrid canine in such a manner as to comply with all laws and ordinances
regarding hybrid canines and prevent endangerment by the animal to public health
and safety.

HISTORY: 1997, c. 918, § 3.1-796.126:8; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860; 2014, c.
461.