3.2-6543 - Governing body of any locality may adopt certain ordinances. - Virginia Statutes

§ 3.2-6543. Governing body of any locality may adopt certain ordinances.

A. The governing body of any locality of the Commonwealth may adopt, and makemore stringent, ordinances that parallel §§ 3.2-6521 through 3.2-6539,3.2-6546 through 3.2-6555, 3.2-6562, 3.2-6569, 3.2-6570, 3.2-6574 through3.2-6580, and 3.2-6585 through 3.2-6590. Any town may choose to adopt byreference any ordinance of the surrounding county adopted under this sectionto be applied within its town limits, in lieu of adopting an ordinance of itsown.

Any funds collected pursuant to the enforcement of ordinances adoptedpursuant to the provisions of this section may be used for the purpose ofdefraying the costs of local animal control, including efforts to promotesterilization of cats and dogs.

B. Any locality may, by ordinance, establish uniform schedules of civilpenalties for violations of specific provisions of ordinances adoptedpursuant to this section. Civil penalties may not be imposed for violationsof ordinances that parallel § 3.2-6570. Designation of a particular violationfor a civil penalty shall be in lieu of criminal sanctions and precludeprosecution of such violation as a criminal misdemeanor. The schedule forcivil penalties shall be uniform for each type of specified violation and thepenalty for any one violation shall not be more than $150. Imposition ofcivil penalties shall not preclude an action for injunctive, declaratory orother equitable relief. Moneys raised pursuant to this subsection shall beplaced in the locality's general fund.

An animal control officer or law-enforcement officer may issue a summons fora violation. Any person summoned or issued a ticket for a scheduled violationmay make an appearance in person or in writing by mail to the department offinance or the treasurer of the locality issuing the summons or ticket priorto the date fixed for trial in court. Any person so appearing may enter awaiver of trial, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty established forthe offense charged.

(1976, c. 182, § 15.1-29.1:1; 1984, c. 492, § 29-213.64; 1987, c. 488, §3.1-796.94; 1993, c. 959; 1994, cc. 115, 630; 1995, c. 832; 1997, c. 587;1998, c. 817; 2005, c. 304; 2008, c. 860; 2009, c. 107.)