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1995 SESSION


CHAPTER 209
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 3.1-796.128:1, relating to interference with a guide or leader dog; penalty.
[H 1681]
Approved March 14, 1995

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 3.1-796.128:1 as follows:

§ 3.1-796.128:1. Intentional interference with a guide or leader dog; penalty.

A. It is unlawful for a person to, without just cause, willfully impede or interfere with the duties performed by a dog if the person knows or has reason to believe the dog is a guide or leader dog. A violation of this subsection is punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

B. It is unlawful for a person to, without just cause, willfully injure a dog if the person knows or has reason to believe the dog is a guide or leader dog. A violation of this subsection is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

"Guide or leader dog" means a dog that (i) serves as a dog guide for a blind person as defined in § 63.1-142 or for a person with a visual disability, (ii) serves as a listener for a deaf or hard-of-hearing person as defined in § 63.1-85.3:1, or (iii) provides support or assistance for a physically disabled or handicapped person.