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2020 SESSION
20105242DBe it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 65 of Title 3.2 an article numbered 14, consisting of sections numbered 3.2-6594, 3.2-6595, and 3.2-6596, as follows:
§ 3.2-6594. Definitions.
As used in this article,
"Dangerous captive animal" means any bear, cougar, elephant, jaguar, leopard, lion, nonhuman primate, or tiger, or any hybrid of any such animal. "Dangerous captive animal" does not include a clouded leopard.
"Direct contact" means physical contact or proximity where physical contact is possible, including an opportunity for photography without a permanent physical barrier designed to prevent physical contact between the public and a dangerous captive animal.
"Keeper" means any person, as defined in § 1-230, who owns, has custody of, or is in control of a dangerous captive animal.
§ 3.2-6595. Direct contact with dangerous captive animals prohibited.
It is unlawful for any keeper to provide or offer to provide to any individual, for free or for a cost, direct contact with a dangerous captive animal.
§ 3.2-6596. Violation; penalty.
Any person who violates any provision of this article is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and is subject to a fine of not more than $500.