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1999 SESSION


CHAPTER 663
An Act to amend and reenact § 3.1-796.94:1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to local regulation of animals.
[H 1906]
Approved March 28, 1999

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 3.1-796.94:1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 3.1-796.94:1. Regulation of keeping of animals and fowl.

A. Any county may, whenever, in the judgment of the board of supervisors, the same is necessary for the preservation of public health, regulate by ordinance the keeping of animals or fowl, other than dogs and cats, within a certain distance of residences or other buildings or wells, springs, streams, creeks, or brooks, and provide that all or certain of such animals shall not be kept within certain areas.

B. Any county, city, or town may prevent, by ordinance, prohibit cruelty to and abuse of animals and fowl; and may regulate or prohibit the running at large and the keeping of animals and fowl and provide for the impounding and confiscation of any such animal or fowl found at large or kept in violation of such regulations. Any such ordinance may require that owners of any exotic or poisonous animal found running at large pay a fee to cover the locality’s actual cost in locating and capturing or otherwise disposing of the animal.