Rappahannock County, VA Article I Running at Large [1]

[Adopted 5-4-2015]

[1] Editor's Note: Former Art. I, Running at Large, adopted 10-2-1924, as amended, was repealed 7-6-1994 (as readopted 12-2-1996).

§ 65-1 Livestock

A. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any livestock to allow same to run at large upon any public road in Rappahannock County.

B. Pursuant to Article 5, Chapter 18, Title 55, of the Code of Virginia, the boundary line of each lot or tract of land in Rappahannock County is declared to be a lawful fence as to any or all of the animals mentioned in § 55-306 of the Code of Virginia, and it shall be unlawful for the owner or manager of such animals, or type of animals, to permit the same to run at large beyond the limits of his or her own lands.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: The Fence Law was originally enacted May 7, 1942, after statutorily required public notice.

C. The owner of any such livestock shall be liable to the County of Rappahannock or to any person, for any cost incurred in removing such livestock from a public road or private property, and in securing them, to include the cost of feeding and providing necessary veterinary care.

D. Violation of this section is a Class 4 misdemeanor. (Note: See §§ 3.2-6587, 3.2-6544B, 55-316, Code of Virginia.)

§ 65-2 Dogs.

A. The owner or custodian of a dog shall not permit it to run at large off the property of the owner or custodian unless the dog:

(1) Is wearing a valid dog license tag; and

(2) Has a currently effective rabies vaccination.

B. A "currently effective rabies vaccination" means the expiration date on the certificate of vaccination for the dog has not yet passed.

C. Violation of this section is a Class 4 misdemeanor. (Note: See §§ 3.2-6522, 3.2-6525, 3.2-6531, 3.2-6538, 3.2-6543, Code of Virginia.)