Exploration of Various Animal Crimes in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes the need to protect animal safety. Accordingly, there are many laws against and penalties for animal mistreatment across Virginia. To understand the breadth of these offenses, the following sections will explore various types of animal crimes in Virginia.
Class 1 Misdemeanor Animal Crimes
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-403.1 covers various animal crimes that result in Class 1 misdemeanor charges. Specifically, this section includes violations of the following sections:
- Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6570, which addresses general cruelty to animals, including repeat offenders;
- Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6508, which governs general standards for the transportation of animals;
- Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6553, which addresses false claims regarding compensation for the death of livestock and poultry;
- Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6518, which regulates groomers, boarding establishments, and similar entities; and
- Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6504, which deals with the unlawful abandonment of animals.
Upon conviction for any of the offenses listed above, the offender is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The typical punishment for this offense in Virginia includes a maximum of 12 months in county jail and $2,500 in criminal fines.
Class 3 Misdemeanor Animal Crimes
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-403.2 addresses various animal crimes that result in Class 3 misdemeanor charges. Precisely, this section includes violations of the following sections:
- Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6511, which provides for the adequate care of animals by shopkeepers and pet dealers;
- Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6509, which governs the misrepresentation of an animal’s condition on the part of shopkeepers or pet dealers;
- Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6510, which regulates the sale of baby fowls;
- Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6519, which establishes notice requirements for boarding establishments concerning various consumer remedies.
Upon conviction for any of the offenses listed above, the offender is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The typical for punishment this offense in Virginia centers on a maximum fine of $500.
Class 4 Misdemeanor Animal Crimes
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-403.3 outlines various animal crimes that result in Class 3 misdemeanor charges. This section includes but is not limited to violations of the following sections:
- Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6566 , which prohibits interference with certain agents who protect safety of animals;
- Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6573, which governs the shooting of pigeons;
- Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6554, which addresses the disposal of a dead companion animal; and
- Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6539, which requires all dogs to be on a leash.
Upon conviction for any of the offenses listed above, the offender is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The typical punishment for this offense in Virginia centers on a maximum fine of $250.
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you have legal questions about animal crimes or other criminal offenses in Virginia, it is best to reach out to a credentialed Leesburg criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at Simms Showers, LLP, servicing Leesburg, Winchester, Fairfax, and Manassas, have established credentials defending against various criminal charges in Virginia, including animal crimes. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
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