2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25103825D
HOUSE BILL NO. 2622
Offered January 13, 2025
A BILL to amend and reenact 3.2-6551 of the Code of Virginia, relating to notification by individuals finding companion animals; civil penalty.
PatronFowler
Committee Referral Pending
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That 3.2-6551 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
3.2-6551. Notification by individuals finding companion animals; penalty.
A. Any individual who finds a companion animal and (i) provides care or safekeeping or (ii) retains the companion animal in such a manner as to control its activities shall within 48 hours:
1. Make a reasonable attempt to notify the owner of the companion animal if the owner can be ascertained from any tag, license, collar, tattoo, or other form of identification or markings or if the owner of the animal is otherwise known to the individual; and
2. Notify the public animal shelter that serves the locality where the companion animal was found and provide to the shelter contact information, including at least a name and a contact telephone number, a description of the animal, including information from any tag, license, collar, tattoo, or other identification or markings, and the location where the companion animal was found.
B. If an individual finds a companion animal and (i) provides care or safekeeping or (ii) retains the companion animal in such a manner as to control its activities, the individual shall comply with the provisions of 3.2-6503.
C. Any individual who violates this section may be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $50 $500 per companion animal.