§ 3.2-6563. When animals to be euthanized; procedure
Any humane investigator may lawfully cause to be euthanized any animal in his charge or found abandoned or not properly cared for when, in the judgment of the humane investigator and two reputable citizens called to view the same in his presence, and who shall give their written certificate, the animal appears to be injured, […]
§ 3.2-6556. Training of animal control officers
A. Every locality employing animal control officers shall require that every animal control officer and deputy animal control officer completes the following training: 1. A basic animal control course that has been approved by the State Veterinarian. The basic animal control course shall include training in recognizing suspected child abuse and neglect and information on […]
§ 3.2-6557. Animal control officers and humane investigators; limitations; records; penalties
A. No animal control officer, humane investigator, humane society, or custodian of any public or private animal shelter shall (i) obtain the release or transfer of an animal by the animal’s owner to such animal control officer, humane investigator, humane society, or custodian for personal gain or (ii) give or sell or negotiate for the […]
§ 3.2-6558. Humane investigators; qualifications; appointment; term
A. A circuit court may reappoint any person as a humane investigator for any locality within its jurisdiction if the person: 1. Was appointed as a humane investigator prior to July 1, 2003; and 2. Has never been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect, any felony, or any crime of moral turpitude according to a […]
§ 3.2-6559. Powers and duties of humane investigators
A. Any humane investigator may, within the locality where he has been appointed, investigate violations of laws and ordinances regarding care and treatment of animals and disposal of dead animals. B. Each humane investigator shall carry during the performance of his powers and duties under this chapter an identification card issued by the locality where […]
§ 3.2-6560. Expenses of humane investigators
Neither the appointment of any humane investigator, nor the performance of any service or duty by him, shall require any locality or the Commonwealth to pay any cost or expense incurred by or on behalf of a humane investigator. Any locality may reimburse any humane investigator appointed for that locality for reasonable expenses incurred as […]
§ 3.2-6561. Revocation of appointment of humane investigators
A. Upon a motion by the attorney for the Commonwealth, the circuit court that appointed a humane investigator may revoke his appointment if he is no longer able to perform the duties of a humane investigator; has been convicted of any felony, Class 1 misdemeanor, or a violation of any provision of this chapter or […]
§ 3.2-6551. Notification by individuals finding companion animals; penalty
A. Any individual who finds a companion animal and (i) provides care or safekeeping or (ii) retains the companion animal in such a manner as to control its activities shall within 48 hours: 1. Make a reasonable attempt to notify the owner of the companion animal if the owner can be ascertained from any tag, […]
§ 3.2-6552. Dogs killing, injuring, or chasing livestock or poultry
A. It shall be the duty of any animal control officer or other officer who may find a dog in the act of killing or injuring livestock or poultry to seize or kill such dog forthwith whether such dog bears a tag or not. Any person finding a dog committing any of the depredations mentioned […]
§ 3.2-6553. Compensation for livestock and poultry killed by dogs
Any person who has any livestock or poultry killed or injured by any dog not his own shall be entitled to receive as compensation the fair market value of such livestock or poultry not to exceed $750 per animal or $10 per fowl if (i) the claimant has furnished evidence within 60 days of discovery […]