§ 4-54. Record of impoundment.  


Latest version.
  • (a)

    An animal control officer, law enforcement officer, humane investigator or custodian of any pound or animal shelter, upon taking custody of any animal in the course of official duties, or any representative of a humane society, upon obtaining custody of any animal on behalf of the society, shall immediately make a record of the matter. Such record shall include the following:

    (1)

    The date on which the animal was taken into custody;

    (2)

    The date of the making of the record;

    (3)

    A description of the animal, including the animal's species, color, breed, sex, approximate age and approximate weight;

    (4)

    The reason for taking custody of the animal and the location where custody was taken;

    (5)

    The name and address of the animal's owner, if known;

    (6)

    Any license or rabies tag, tattoo, collar or other identification number carried by or appearing on the animal; and

    (7)

    The disposition of the animal.

    (b)

    Records required by Subsection (a) of this section shall be maintained for at least five years and shall be available for public inspection upon request. A summary of such records shall be submitted annually to the State Veterinarian in a format prescribed by the State Veterinarian.

    (c)

    Any animal control officer or custodian of any pound who violates any section of this chapter which relates to the seizure, impoundment and custody of animals by an animal control officer may be subject to suspension or dismissal from such officer's or custodian's position.

    (d)

    Custodians and animal control officers engaged in the operation of a pound shall be required to have a knowledge of the laws of the Commonwealth governing animals, including this chapter, as well as basic animal care.

    (Code 1993, § 4-23; Code 2004, § 10-58)

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 3.2-6557(B)—(D).

(Code 1993, § 4-23; Code 2004, § 10-58)

State law reference

Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 3.2-6557(B)—(D).