2006 Code of Virginia § 3.1-796.107 - Complaint of suspected violation; investigation

3.1-796.107. Complaint of suspected violation; investigation.

A. Upon receiving a complaint of a suspected violation of this chapter, anyordinance enacted pursuant to this chapter or any law for the protection ofdomestic animals, any animal control officer, law-enforcement officer, orState Veterinarian's representative may, for the purpose of investigating theallegations of the complaint, enter upon, during business hours, any businesspremises, including any place where animals or animal records are housed orkept, of any dealer, pet shop, groomer, or boarding establishment. Uponreceiving a complaint of a suspected violation of any law or ordinanceregarding care or treatment of animals or disposal of dead animals, anyhumane investigator may, for the purpose of investigating the allegations ofthe complaint, enter upon, during business hours, any business premises,including any place where animals or animal records are housed or kept, ofany dealer, pet shop, groomer, or boarding establishment.

Upon obtaining a warrant as provided for in 3.1-796.113, thelaw-enforcement officer, animal control officer, State Veterinarian'srepresentative, or humane investigator may enter upon any other premiseswhere the animal or animals described in the complaint are housed or kept.Attorneys for the Commonwealth and law-enforcement officials shall providesuch assistance as may be required in the conduct of such investigations.

B. If the investigation discloses that a violation of 3.1-796.68 hasoccurred, the investigating official shall notify the owner or custodian ofthe complaint and of what action is necessary to comply with this chapter.

(1984, c. 492, 29-213.76; 1987, c. 488; 1991, c. 451; 1993, c. 174; 1998,c. 817.)