3.2-6537 - Ordinances; penalties. - Virginia Statutes

§ 3.2-6537. Ordinances; penalties.

The governing body of any locality may, by ordinance, require a personoperating a pet shop or operating as a dealer in companion animals to obtaina permit. Such local governing body may charge no more than $50 per year forsuch permit. The revenues derived therefrom shall be used for theadministration and enforcement of such ordinance.

The aforementioned ordinance may provide: (i) that records be kept by thepermittees as are deemed necessary; (ii) for public hearing prior toissuance, renewal or revocation of any such permit; or (iii) for the denialof issuance, denial of renewal or for the revocation of such permit forfraudulent practices or inhumane treatment of the animals dealt with by thepermittee.

The ordinance may provide for either a criminal penalty not to exceed a Class3 misdemeanor or a civil penalty not to exceed $500 for any violation of theordinance. Any civil penalties collected shall be deposited by the localtreasurer pursuant to § 3.2-6534.

(1984, c. 492, § 29-213.54; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.84; 2005, c. 307; 2008,c. 860.)