For the purposes of this article and unless otherwise required
by the context, the following words and terms shall have the meanings
respectively ascribed to them by this section:
While on the property of its owner and not under the direct
supervision and control of the owner or custodian, a hybrid canine
shall be confined in a humane manner in a securely enclosed and locked
structure of sufficient height and design to prevent the animal's
escape; or if the hybrid canine is determined to be a dangerous dog
pursuant to § 3.2-6540, Code of Virginia, the structure
shall prevent direct contact with any person or animal not authorized
by the owner to be in direct contact with the hybrid canine, and provide
a minimum of 100 square feet of floor space for each adult animal.
Tethering of a hybrid canine not under the direct supervision and
control of the owner or custodian shall not be considered adequate
confinement.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
Any animal that is or can be demonstrated to be a hybrid
of the domestic dog and any other species of the Canidae family; that
at any time has been permitted, registered, licensed, or advertised
as such; or that at any time has been described, represented, or reported
as such by its owner to a licensed veterinarian, law enforcement officer,
animal control officer, humane investigator, official of the Department
of Health, or State Veterinarian's representative.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
The ownership and humane care of a hybrid canine in such
a manner as to comply with all laws and ordinances regarding hybrid
canines and prevent endangerment by the animal to public health and
safety.
It shall be unlawful for any person to own a hybrid canine in
the County, unless such person holds a valid permit for the ownership
of such hybrid canine in accordance with the provisions of this article.
State law references: Similar provisions, Code of Virginia,
§§ 3.2-6582, 3.2-6583, 3.2- 6584.
A.
Any hybrid canine permit issued in accordance with this article shall
be valid for a period of no more than one year from the date of issuance.
The permittee shall have sole responsibility for ensuring that all
permit renewals are timely initiated to ensure that a valid permit
is continuously in effect throughout the period the permittee's ownership
of a hybrid canine within the County.
B.
No permittee shall own more than two hybrid canines at any time.
Only one permit shall be issued for any single address or household.
C.
All permits issued in accordance with this article shall be subject
to the following:
(1)
Each hybrid canine shall wear a collar bearing identification, including
the name, address and telephone number of the owner of the hybrid
canine.
(2)
Each hybrid canine shall be maintained in an adequate confinement,
as defined in this article.
(3)
Each hybrid canine shall be muzzled and kept under the control of
a competent adult handler, on a leash, lead, rope or chain whenever
it is not on the property of its owner.
D.
In the event that any hybrid canine shall be found in any condition
inconsistent with the requirements set forth herein, any permit issued
for such hybrid canine shall be immediately deemed null and void,
and such hybrid canine shall be taken into the custody of the department
of animal control.
A.
Any person seeking a hybrid canine permit shall complete an application
provided by the department of animal control including following:
(1)
Name, address, phone number and age of the applicant.
(2)
Species, gender, color, age, sex, vaccination history and origin
of the hybrid canine.
(3)
Photographs of the hybrid canine shall be provided by the applicant
sufficient (to the satisfaction of animal control) to show the size,
color and any identifying marks or characteristics of the hybrid canine.
B.
Any application for a hybrid canine permit shall be accompanied by
payment of an application fee in the amount of $25.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall
be deemed guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor for the first violation
and a Class 1 misdemeanor for any subsequent violation.
