2006 Code of Virginia § 3.1-796.114 - When animals to be destroyed; procedure

3.1-796.114. When animals to be destroyed; procedure.

Any humane investigator may lawfully cause to be destroyed any animal in hischarge or found abandoned or not properly cared for when, in the judgment ofthe humane investigator and two reputable citizens called to view the same inhis presence, and who shall give their written certificate, the animalappears to be injured, disabled or diseased, past recovery, or the injury,disease or disability is such that a reasonable owner would cause the animalto be destroyed.

Any humane investigator shall make every reasonable effort immediately tonotify the owner of the animal that the humane investigator intends for theanimal to be destroyed. The owner shall have a right to select one of the tworeputable citizens called to view the animal and give written certificate ofthe animal's condition. In no event shall the determination as to dispositionof the animal be delayed beyond forty-eight hours after such humaneinvestigator first decides the animal should be destroyed. In the event thatthe two citizens called to give such certificate are unable to agree, theyshall select a third reputable citizen and his decision shall be final.

(1984, c. 492, 29-213.83; 1986, c. 362; 1987, c. 488; 1998, c. 817.)