§ 2811. Primary enclosures
(a) A primary enclosure must provide sufficient space to allow each dog and adult cat to turn about freely and to easily stand, sit and lie in a comfortable, normal position. Where the primary enclosure is used for more than one cat, a resting perch for each cat must be provided. (b) A primary enclosure […]
§ 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 […]
§ 2722. Tick Eradication Program
Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, but subject to the availability of appropriations, the Commissioner of Agriculture is authorized to conduct an intensive five year program for the complete eradication of the Boophilus Microplus Tick and the Dermacenter Nitens Tick from the Virgin Islands, and, subject to the approval of the Governor, to enter into […]
§ 2724. Dipping stations
Owners shall, upon the request of the Commissioner of Agriculture, or his designee, bring livestock and other animals to dipping stations established by the Commissioner and furnish all labor the Commissioner or his designee may require in inspecting, paint marking, dipping or spraying all such animals. In the event that the owners fail to comply […]
§ 2725. Rules and regulations
The Commissioner of Agriculture shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement and enforce any and all programs relating to the inspection of animals, dead or alive, and the control, detection, eradication or prevention of any disease, parasite, and pest which is, or may tend to be, injurious to man, animal or plant.
§ 2726. Penalty
Whoever violates any provisions of the laws of the Virgin Islands or any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder relating to the inspection, control, detection, eradication or prevention of any disease, parasite, or pest which is or may tend to be injurious to man, animal or plant, shall be fined not more than $100 or imprisoned […]