55-306 - Damages for trespass by animals; punitive and double damages. - Virginia Statutes

§ 55-306. Damages for trespass by animals; punitive and double damages.

If any livestock domesticated by man shall enter into any grounds enclosed bya lawful fence, as defined in §§ 55-299 through 55-303, the owner or managerof any such animal shall be liable for the actual damages sustained.

When punitive damages are awarded, the same shall not exceed twenty dollarsin any case.

For every succeeding trespass the owner or manager of such animal shall beliable for double damages, both actual and punitive.

(Code 1950, §§ 8-874 through 8-876; 1977, c. 624; 1979, c. 486.)