- Sec. 3-47. – Running at large prohibited; penalty for violation.
(a)
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog to allow a dog to run at large anywhere in the county during the months of April, May, June and July of any year.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog to allow such dog to run at large at any time, in the areas of the county zoned R-1, R-2, R-3, C-1, C-2, I-1, I, in any trailer park, manufactured home park, in any area designated as a major subdivision under the most current zoning ordinance as amended from time to time; in county parks; or on the grounds of any school property or property operated by the county school board.
(c)
An animal control officer, law enforcement officer or other officer may issue a summons to the owner and/or custodian of the dog subject to these provisions, to appear in court for a hearing on the matter.
(d)
A violation of this section shall result in a civil penalty of $50.00 for a first violation, $100.00 for a second violation, and $150.00 for every subsequent violation. Each occurrence of a dog belonging to a particular owner running at large in violation of this chapter shall be considered a separate violation and an additional penalty shall apply as set out in this section regardless of whether or not it is the same canine or canine crossbreed previously found to be running at large.
(Ord. of 6-7-2005; Min. of 9-2-2008)
State Law reference— Authority to prohibit animals running at large, Code of Virginia, § 3.1-796.93.