3.2-6551 - Notification by individuals finding companion animals; penalty. - Virginia Statutes

§ 3.2-6551. Notification by individuals finding companion animals; penalty.

A. Any individual who finds a companion animal and: (i) provides care orsafekeeping; or (ii) retains a companion animal in such a manner as tocontrol its activities shall, within 48 hours:

1. Make a reasonable attempt to notify the owner of the companion animal, ifthe owner can be ascertained from any tag, license, collar, tattoo, or otherform of identification or markings, or if the owner of the animal isotherwise known to the individual; and

2. Notify the pound that serves the locality where the companion animal wasfound and provide to the pound contact information including at least a nameand a contact telephone number, a description of the animal includinginformation from any tag, license, collar, tattoo, or other identification ormarkings, and the location where the companion animal was found.

B. If an individual finds a companion animal and: (i) provides care orsafekeeping; or (ii) retains a companion animal in such a manner as tocontrol its activities, the individual shall comply with the provisions of §3.2-6503.

C. Any individual who violates this section may be subject to a civil penaltynot to exceed $50 per companion animal.

(2003, c. 1007, § 3.1-796.96:7; 2008, c. 860.)