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2006 SESSION
SB 491 Dogs; penalty when recklessly controlling or handling.
Introduced by: Frederick M. Quayle | R. Edward Houck | all patrons ... notes | add to my profiles | history
SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE:
Control of dangerous and vicious dogs; registry; penalty. The bill expands the authority to petition a court to find a dog dangerous to any law-enforcement officer and makes that petition mandatory. A Virginia Dangerous Dog Registry is created to be maintained by the State Veterinarian, any change in the status of a dangerous dog is to be promptly submitted in writing. Surrender of dog that is subject of a pending action to animal control shall not be in lieu of prosecution. The bill also (i) expands the definition of "dangerous dogs to include dogs that inflict injury to another cat or dog requiring the animal to be euthanized while also broadening safe harbor provisions; (ii) requires that a dog that has been found to be dangerous or vicious shall be spayed or neutered; and (iii) requires insurance be maintained for a dangerous dog and raises the policy limit requirement to $100,000, allows for a surety bond in lieu of an insurance policy. This bill was incorporated into SB 200 and is identical to HB 340 and HB 1039.
SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:
Reckless control of a dog; penalty. Creates a new Class 6 felony for recklessly controlling or handling a dog (or other animal) that seriously injures another person.