2019 US Virgin Islands Code
Title 1 - General Provisions
Chapter 11 - Holidays
§ 200b. Virgin Islands and American Kennel Club Responsible Dog Ownership Day
(a) Beginning with September 26, 2009, the last Saturday of September of each year is declared “Virgin Islands and American Kennel Club Responsible Dog Ownership Day” in the Territory of the Virgin Islands.
(b) Persons who comply with the standards established in subsection (b) are declared “Responsible Dog Owners”.
(c) To qualify as a Responsible Dog Owner, the dog owner must demonstrate:
(1) Responsibility for the dog's health needs, including:
(A) Routine veterinary care;
(B) Provision of healthful food and plenty of clean, fresh water; and
(C) Daily exercise, regular bathing and protection against flees, ticks and other insects and parasites;
(2) Responsibility for the dog's safety, including compliance with 19 V.I.C. chapter 66, Subchapter II, “Dogs”, including compliance with licensing requirements; license tags; preventing the dog from running at large or injuring domestic animals; using a leash; and providing a safe, enclosed shelter free from the hazards of the road and other dangerous obstacles;
(3) Responsibility for ensuring sanitary conditions, including properly disposing of the dog's wastes and maintaining the dog's living area free of wastes and other debris;
(4) Responsibility for providing the dog with a high quality of life, including attention, learning activities, play activities, and pleasant and comfortable living accommodations; and
(5) Responsibility for the dog's socialization, the dog's behavior towards others, including preventing nuisances in the neighborhood caused by excessive barking or the dog's running at large and encroaching on neighbors' enjoyment of their property.
(d) The Governor may appoint a committee to organize or coordinate events throughout the Territory for the commemoration of Virgin Islands and American Kennel Club Responsible Dog Ownership Day.
