Virginia Laws Against & Penalties for Animal Crimes
Most of the time, misdemeanor and felony crimes in Virginia involve human victims. Though, in certain cases, animals can be the victims of crime as well. For the alleged criminal actor, there is a real possibility of jail time or criminal fines, regardless of whether the victim was a person or an animal.
- Animal Crimes – Class 1 Misdemeanors
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-403.1 categorizes certain animal crimes as Class 1 misdemeanors. These animal crimes include:
- Cruelty to animals in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6570;
- Transporting animals under improper conditions in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6508;
- Making false claims about livestock killed by dog(s) in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6553;
- Conducting animal boarding or grooming services improperly in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6518; and
- Abandoning animals in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6504.
If convicted for a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, an offender can face a maximum of 12 months in jail and $2,500 in criminal fines.
- Animal Crimes – Class 3 Misdemeanor
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-403.2 categorizes certain animal crimes as Class 3 misdemeanors. These animal crimes include:
- Shopkeeper or pet dealer failing to provide animals with adequate care in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6511;
- Shopkeeper or pet dealer misrepresenting an animal’s condition in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6509;
- Selling a baby fowl in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6510;
- Improperly storing horses in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6570; and
- Boarding establishment failing to post required notices in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6519.
If convicted for a Class 3 misdemeanor in Virginia, an offender can face a maximum of $500 in criminal fines.
- Animal Crimes – Class 4 Misdemeanors
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-403.3 categorizes certain animal crimes as Class 4 misdemeanors. These animal crimes include:
- Shooting pigeons in violation of Code of Virginia 3.2-6573;
- Improperly disposing of a dead companion animal in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6554;
- Failing to keep a dog on a leash in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6539;
- Neglecting to pay license taxes for a dog or cat license in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6530; and
- Failing to adequately or properly care for an animal, including food, shelter, and exercise, in violation of Code of Virginia Section 3.2-6503.
If convicted for a Class 4 misdemeanor in Virginia, an offender can face a maximum of $250 in criminal fines.
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you have legal questions about animal crimes or other offenses under Virginia law, it can be incredibly beneficial to contact a seasoned Leesburg criminal defense lawyer. The lawyers at Simms Showers LLP feature more than 140 years of combined legal experience, including defense of animal crimes. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
https://www.simmsshowerslaw.com/police-arrest-virginian-man-for-dui-larceny-property-damage/
