§ 2902. Prohibited acts regarding slaughter of animals; exceptions
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to (a) slaughter any animal or animals in the Virgin Islands except at government-controlled slaughterhouses if the animal or animals so slaughtered or any parts thereof are to be sold, bartered or exchanged; (b) arrange for the slaughter of any animal or animals except at […]
§ 2802. Definitions
As used in this chapter: (a) “Ambient temperature” means the temperature surrounding an animal. (b) “Breeder” means any owner or keeper of a kennel who breeds more than 2 litters of dogs annually (c) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture or the Commissioner’s authorized representative. (d) “Companion animal” means a […]
§ 2803. Exercise of police power and written reports
(a) All investigations and seizures of animals are the exercise of police power as set forth in 14 V.I.C. § 187 and 19 V.I.C. §§ 2603 and 2604 of this title. All animal shelters shall memorialize all investigations and seizures in a written report submitted to the Department of Agriculture. (b) All “owner relinquishments” authorizations […]
§ 2804. Inspections
(a) The Department shall monitor all facilities that board animals for a fee or house animals for adoption, including, annual inspections, or upon a complaint. (b) The Department shall prepare and provide upon request a checklist based on the Guidelines for Standards of Care published by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. The inspector shall submit […]
§ 2805. Pet shop, pet groomer, kennels and animal shelter licenses
(a) A person operating or desiring to operate a pet shop, pet grooming company, kennel or animal shelter business must be licensed by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs and pay the applicable license fee to operate in the Virgin Islands. Those businesses that qualify as Virgin Islands not-for-profit corporations and provide a copy […]
§ 2806. Registration and animal shelter standards
(a) A person operating or desiring to operate an animal shelter facility must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, provide evidence of its non-profit status, and affirm that the facility is operated in compliance with the Guidelines for Standards of Care published by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. After the effective date of this […]
§ 2807. Issuance of licenses and tags, collection of fees, and keeping of record
(a) Any animal shelter, as the representative of the Commissioner, and in accordance with the section 2605 of this title, shall diligently issue and process applications of dog licenses and tags for all dogs owned or harbored by residents of the island on which they are located. (b) The animal shelter shall collect all dog […]
§ 2808. Sanitation
(a) The animal shelter shall make provisions for the removal and disposal of animal and food wastes, bedding, dead animals, and debris and provide and operate disposal facilities as to minimize vermin infestation, odors, and disease hazards. (b) Washrooms, sinks or basins, must be provided to maintain cleanliness of the animal caretakers. (c) The interior […]
§ 2809. Cooling, ventilation, and lighting of indoor facilities
(a) An indoor housing facility for dogs and cats must be sufficiently ventilated to protect the dogs and cats and provide for their health and comfort. The facility must be provided with fresh air, either by means of windows, doors, vents, or air conditioning, and must be ventilated so as to minimize drafts, odors, and […]
§ 2810. Shelter provided by outdoor facilities
(a) When sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort, sufficient shade must be provided to allow dogs and cats to protect themselves from the direct rays of the sun. (b) An access to shelter must be provided for dogs and cats to allow them to remain dry and protected during rain or inclement weather. […]