3.2-6555 - Position of animal control officer created.
§ 3.2-6555. Position of animal control officer created.
The governing body of each county or city shall, or each town may, employ anofficer to be known as the animal control officer who shall have the power toenforce this chapter, all ordinances enacted pursuant to this chapter and alllaws for the protection of domestic animals. The governing body may alsoemploy one or more deputy animal control officers to assist the animalcontrol officer in the performance of his duties. Animal control officers anddeputy animal control officers shall have knowledge of the animal control andprotection laws of the Commonwealth that they are required to enforce. Whenin uniform or upon displaying a badge or other credentials of office, animalcontrol officers and deputy animal control officers shall have the power toissue a summons or obtain a felony warrant as necessary, providing theexecution of such warrant shall be carried out by any law-enforcement officeras defined in § 9.1-101, to any person found in the act of violating any suchlaw or any ordinance enacted pursuant to such law of the locality where theanimal control officer or deputy animal control officer is employed.Commercial dog breeding locations shall be subject to inspection by animalcontrol at least twice annually and additionally upon receipt of a complaintor their own motion to ensure compliance with state animal care laws andregulations. The animal control officer and the deputy animal controlofficers shall be paid as the governing body of each locality shall prescribe.
Any locality where an animal control officer or deputy animal controlofficers have been employed may contract with one or more additionallocalities for enforcement of animal protection and control laws by theanimal control officers or deputy animal control officers. Any such contractmay provide that the locality employing the animal control officer or deputyanimal control officers shall be reimbursed a portion of the salary andexpenses of the animal control officer or deputy animal control officers.
Every locality employing an animal control officer shall submit to the StateVeterinarian, on a form provided by him, information concerning theemployment and training status of the animal control officers employed by thelocality. The State Veterinarian may require that the locality notify him ofany change in such information.
(1984, cc. 254, 492, § 29-213.73; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.104; 1998, c. 817;2003, c. 804; 2004, c. 181; 2008, cc. 852, 860.)