Article I – Companion Animals
CHAPTER 9 – GENERAL REGULATIONS
Article I – Companion Animals
[Adopted 7-12-1993 (Ch. 44, Art. I, of the 1993 Code)]
§ 9.1-1 Adoption of state law by reference.
The provisions of Title 3.2, Chapter 65, § 3.2-6500 et seq., Code of Virginia, as amended, are adopted herewith by reference to be applicable in Appomattox County, except that § 3.2-6539 shall be omitted. The requirement of Subsection (ii) or (iii) of § 3.2-6553 shall not be waived. The amounts set forth in § 3.2-6554 shall not exceed $50.
§ 9.1-2 License tax amounts.
1.Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful for any person to own a dog four months old or over in this County unless such dog is licensed as required by the provisions of this article. Dog licenses shall run by the calendar year, namely, from January 1 to December 31, inclusive, and the license tax shall be payable at the office of the Treasurer and shall be as follows:
A. All dogs. Spayed or neutered: $4; not spayed or neutered: $6.
B. Kennel for 20 dogs: $25.
C. Kennel for 30 dogs: $35.
D. Kennel for 40 dogs: $45.
E. Kennel for 50 dogs: $50.
F. No license tax shall be charged for any dog which is trained and serves as a guide dog for a blind or hearing-impaired person.
G. A fee of $5 shall be charged for persons wishing to adopt a pet from the animal pound.
H. Duplicate tag fee: $1.
I. Dangerous dog fee: $50.
2. Any violation of this section shall result in a civil penalty of $25.00 for a first offense, and $50.00 for each subsequent offense.
An animal control officer or law-enforcement officer may issue a summons for a violation. Any person summoned or issued a ticket for a scheduled violation may make an appearance in person or in writing by mail to the department of finance or the treasurer of the locality issuing the summons or ticket prior to the date fixed for trial in court. Any person so appearing may enter a waiver of trial, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty established for the offense charged.
( Ordinance of 08-16-21 )
§ 9.1-3 Running at large prohibited during certain months.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog to permit such dog to run at large from April 15 to May 15. Any dog shall be deemed to run at large while roaming, running or self-hunting off the property of its owner or custodian and not under its owner’s or custodian’s immediate control. Any person who permits his dog to run at large or remain unconfined, unrestricted or not penned up shall be deemed to have violated the provisions of this section and shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
§9.1-4 Rabies Vaccines
- Pursuant to Va. Code §3.2-6521 the owner or custodian of all dogs and cats four months of age and older shall have such animal currently vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician who is under the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the premises unless otherwise provided by regulations.
- Any violation of this section shall result in a civil penalty of $75.00 for a first offense, and $150.00 for each subsequent offense.
An animal control officer or law-enforcement officer may issue a summons for a violation. Any person summoned or issued a ticket for a scheduled violation may make an appearance in person or in writing by mail to the department of finance or the treasurer of the locality issuing the summons or ticket prior to the date fixed for trial in court. Any person so appearing may enter a waiver of trial, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty established for the offense charged.
