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2018 SESSION


CHAPTER 678
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 3.2-6509.1, relating to disclosure of animal bite history; penalty.
[S 571]
Approved March 30, 2018

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 3.2-6509.1 as follows:

§ 3.2-6509.1. Disclosure of animal bite history; penalties.

A. Any custodian of a releasing agency, animal control officer, law-enforcement officer, or humane investigator, upon taking custody of any dog or cat in the course of his official duties, shall ask and document whether, if known, the dog or cat has bitten a person or other animal and the circumstances and date of such bite. Any custodian of a releasing agency, animal control officer, law-enforcement officer, or humane investigator, upon release of a dog or cat for (i) adoption, (ii) return to a rightful owner, or (iii) transfer to another agency, shall disclose, if known, that the dog or cat has bitten a person or other animal and the circumstances and date of such bite.

B. Violation of this section is a Class 3 misdemeanor.