2011 Code of Virginia
Title 18.2 CRIMES AND OFFENSES GENERALLY.
Chapter 8 Crimes Involving Morals and Decency (18.2-325 thru 18.2-403.4)
18.2-403.3 Offenses involving animals - Class 4 misdemeanors

18.2-403.3. Offenses involving animals - Class 4 misdemeanors.

The following unlawful acts and offenses against animals shall constitute and be punished as a Class 4 misdemeanor:

1. Violation of 3.2-6566 pertaining to interference of agents charged with preventing cruelty to animals.

2. Violation of 3.2-6573 pertaining to shooting pigeons.

3. Violation of 3.2-6554 pertaining to disposing of the body of a dead companion animal.

4. Violation of ordinances passed pursuant to 3.2-6522 and 3.2-6525 pertaining to rabid dogs and preventing the spread of rabies and the running at large of vicious dogs.

5. Violation of an ordinance passed pursuant to 3.2-6539 requiring dogs to be on a leash.

6. Failure by any person to secure and exhibit the permits required by 29.1-422 pertaining to field trails, night trails and foxhounds.

7. Diseased dogs. - For the owner of any dog with a contagious or infectious disease to permit such dog to stray from his premises if such disease is known to the owner.

8. License application. - For any person to make a false statement in order to secure a dog or cat license to which he is not entitled.

9. License tax. - For any dog or cat owner to fail to pay any license tax required by 3.2-6530 before February 1 for the year in which it is due. In addition, the court may order confiscation and the proper disposition of the dog or cat.

10. Concealing a dog or cat. - For any person to conceal or harbor any dog or cat on which any required license tax has not been paid.

11. Removing collar and tag. - For any person, except the owner or custodian, to remove a legally acquired license tag from a dog or cat without the permission of the owner or custodian.

12. Violation of 3.2-6503 pertaining to care of animals by owner.

(1984, c. 492; 1993, cc. 174, 817.)