Virginia 2023 Regular Session Status: Passed House Of Delegates

HB 53 — Animal care; zoos and petting zoos, seizure of animals.

Last action — Left in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House of Delegates
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2023 Regular Session. It reached “Passed House of Delegates” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

309 added · 366 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of Bill HB 53 clarifies definitions related to animal care by specifying terminology and requirements for proper treatment of animals. It adds detailed descriptions of what constitutes "adequate care," "adequate exercise," and "adequate feed" to ensure animals receive appropriate attention based on their needs. These changes aim to improve animal welfare standards in Virginia by explicitly outlining responsible practices, which is significant for both animal advocates and pet owners.

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SESSION INTRODUCED 22101084D I HOUSE BILL NO.
SESSION HOUSE SUBSTITUTE 22106112D HOUSE BILL NO.
53 Offered January 12, 2022 N Prefiled January 3, 2022 T A Brelating to animal care;
53 AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE (Proposed by the House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources on February 9, 2022) (Patron Prior to Substitute––Delegate Campbell, R.R.) A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 3.2-6500 and 3.2-6569 of the Code of Virginia, relating to animal Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:os.
humane investigators;
1.
seizure of animals;
That §§ 3.2-6500 and 3.2-6569 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:
zoos.f the Code of VirginRa, –––––––––– Patron––Campbell, R.R.
§ 3.2-6500.
O –––––––––– D Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources –––––––––– U Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
C 1.
That §§ 3.2-6500, 3.2-6558, 3.2-6568, and 3.2-6569 of the Code of Virginia are amended and ree§ 3.2-6500.
E As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
D "Abandon" means to desert, forsake, or absolutely give up an animal without having secured another owner or custodian for the animal or by failing to provide the elements of basic care as set forth in § 3.2-6503 for a period of four consecutive days.
"Abandon" means to desert, forsake, or absolutely give up an animal without having secured another § 3.2-6503 for a period of four consecutive days.o provide the elements of basic care as set foHth in "Adequate care" or "care" means the responsible practice of good animal husbandry, handling, production, management, confinement, feeding, watering, protection, shelter, transportation, treatment, and, when necessary, euthanasia, appropriate for the age, species, condition, size and type of the animal and the provision of veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering or impairment of health.
"Adequate care" or "care" means the responsible practice of good animal husbandry, handling, production, management, confinement, feeding, watering, protection, shelter, transportation, treatment, and, when necessary, euthanasia, appropriate for the age, species, condition, size and type of the animal and"Adequate exercise" or "exercise" means the opportunity for the animal to move sufficiently to maintain normal muscle tone and mass for the age, species, size, and condition of the animal.
U "Adequate exercise" or "exercise" means the opportunity for the animal to move sufficiently to mai"Adequate feed" means access to and the provision of food that is of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to maintain each animal in good health;
B "Adequate feed" means access to and the provision of food that is of sufficient quantity and3nutritive value to maintain each animal in good health;
is prepared so as to permit ease of consumption for the age, species, condition, size and type of each animal;
is prepared so as tE permit ease of consumption for the age, species, condition, size and type of each animal;
and is provided at suitable intervals for the species, age, and condition of the animal, but at least once daily, except as prescribed by a veterinarian or as dictated by naturally occurring states of hibernation or fasting normal for"Adequate shelter" means provision of and access to shelter that is suitable for the species, age, condition, size, and type of each animal;
and is provided at suitable intervals for the species, age, and condition of the animal, but at least once daily, except as prescribed by a veterinarian or as dictated by naturally occurring states of hibernation or fasSing normal for"Adequate shelter" means provision of and access to shelter that is suitable for the species, age, condition, size, and type of each animal;
enables each :
enablesSeach animal to be clean and dry, except when detrimental to the species;
35 animal to be clean and dry, except when detrimental to the species;
during hot weather, is propTrly provides a quantity of bedding material consisting of hay, cedar shavings, or the equivalent that is sufficient to protect the animal from cold and promote the retention of body heat;
during hot weather, is properly 36 shaded and does not readily conduct heat;
and, for dogs and 36 cats, provides a solid surface, resting platform, pad, floormat, or similar device that is largT enough for 37 the animal to lie on in a normal manner and can be maintained in a sanitary manner.
during cold weather, has a windbreak at its entrance and 37 provides a quantity of bedding material consisting of hay, cedar shavings, or the equivalent that is 38 sufficient to protect the animal from cold and promote the retention of body heat;
Under this chapter, / 38 shelters whose wire, grid, or slat floors (i) permit the animals' feet to pass through the openings, (ii) sag 39 under the animals' weight, or (iii) otherwise do not protect the animals' feet or toes from injTry are not shelter (a) unless the animal is safe from predators and well suited and well equipped to tolerEte its environment;
and, for dogs and the animal to lie on in a normal manner and can be maintained in a sanitary manner.
Under this chapter, for shelters whose wire, grid, or slat floors (i) permit the animals' feet to pass through the openings, (ii) sag under the animals' weight, or (iii) otherwise do not protect the animals' feet or toes from injury are not adequate shelter.
The outdoor tethering of an animal shall not constitute the provision of adequate shelter (a) unless the animal is safe from predators and well suited and well equipped to tolerate its environment;
or (c) (1) during a heat advisory issued by a local or state authority, (2) when the actual or effective outdoor temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or 32 the area by the National Weather Service, including a winter storm, tornado, or severe thunderstorm for warning, unless an animal control officer, having inspected an animal's individual circumstances in clause (c) (1), (2), or (3), has determined the animal to be safe from predators and well suited and well equipped to tolerate its environment.
or (c) (1) during a heat advisory issued by a local or state authority, (2) when the actual or effective outdoor temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or (3) during the effective period for a severe weather warning issued for warning, unless an animal control officer, having inspected an animal's individual circumstances in clause (c) (1), (2), or (3), has determined the animal to be safe from predators and well suited and well equipped to tolerate its environment.
"Adequate space" means sufficient space to allow each animal to (i) easily stand, sit, lie, turn about, and make all other normal body movements in a comfortable, normal position for the animal and (ii) interact safely with other animals in the enclosure.
H "Adequate space" means sufficient space to allow each animal to (i) easily stand, sit, lie, Burn about, and make all other normal body movements in a comfortable, normal position for the animal and (3i) interact safely with other animals in the enclosure.
When an animal is tethered, "adequate space" means that the tether to which the animal is attached permits the above actions and is appropriate to the age configured so as to protect the animal from injury and prevent the animal or tether from becomings that is HB53 2 of 7 entangled with other objects or animals, or from extending over an object or edge that could result in the strangulation or injury of the animal;
When an animal is tethered, "adequate spac1" means and size of the animal;
is at least 15 feet in length or four times the length of the animal, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, whichever is greater, except when the animal is being walked on a leash or is attached by a tether to a lead line or when an animal control officer, having inspected an animal's individual circumstances, has determined that in such an individual case, a tether of at least 10 feet or three times the length of the animal, but shorter than 15 feet or four times the length of the animal, makes the animal more safe, more suited, and better equipped to tolerate its environment than a longer tether;
is attached to the animal by a properly applied collar, halter, or harness that is configured so as to protect the animal from injury and prevent the animal or tether from becoming entangled with other objects or animals, or from extending over an object or edge that could result in the strangulation or injury of the animal;
is at least 15 feet in length or four times the length of the animal, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, whichever is greater, except when the animal is being walked on a leash or is attached by a tether to a lead line or when an animal control HB53H1 2 of 6 officer, having inspected an animal's individual circumstances, has determined that in such an individual case, a tether of at least 10 feet or three times the length of the animal, but shorter than 15 feet or four times the length of the animal, makes the animal more safe, more suited, and better equipped to tolerate its environment than a longer tether;
of 7 "Enclosure" means a structure used to house or restrict animals from running at large.
"Enclosure" means a structure used to house or restrict animals from running at large.
"Euthanasia" means the humane destruction of an animal accomplished by a method that involveI instantaneous unconsciousness and immediate death or by a method that involves anesthesia, prodNced by "Exhibitor" means any person who has animals for or on public display, excluding an exhibitoress.
"Euthanasia" means the humane destruction of an animal accomplished by a method that involves instantaneous unconsciousness and immediate death or by a method that involves anesthesia, produced by an agent that causes painless loss of consciousness, and death during such loss of consciousness.
licensed by the U.S.
of 6 licensed by the U.S.
T "Facility" means a building or portion thereof as designated by the State Veterinarian, otheR than a private residential dwelling and its surrounding grounds, that is used to contain a primary enclosure or enclosures in which animals are housed or kept.
for or on public display, excluding an exhibitor "Facility" means a building or portion thereof as designated by the State Veterinarian, other than a private residential dwelling and its surrounding grounds, that is used to contain a primary enclosure or enclosures in which animals are housed or kept.
O "Farming activity" means, consistent with standard animal husbandry practices, the raising, D management, and use of agricultural animals to provide food, fiber, or transportation and the breeding, pursuant to such purposes.ional use, marketing, transportation, and slaughter of agricultural aUimals "Foster care provider" means a person who provides care or rehabilitation for companion animals through an affiliation with a public or private animal shelter, home-based rescue, releasing agEncy, or other animal welfare organization.
"Farming activity" means, consistent with standard animal husbandry practices, the raising, exhibition, lawful recreational use, marketing, transportation, and slaughter of agricultural animalsg, pursuant to such purposes.
"Foster home" means a private residential dwelling and its surrounding grounds, or any facility other than a public or private animal shelter, at which site through an affiliation with a public or private animal shelter, home-based rescue, releasing agency, or other animal welfare organization care or reh"Groomer" means any person who, for a fee, cleans, trims, brushes, makes neat, manicures, or treats for external parasites any animal.
"Foster care provider" means a person who provides care or rehabilitation for companion animals through an affiliation with a public or private animal shelter, home-based rescue, releasing agency, or other animal welfare organization.
"Home-based rescue" means an animal welfare organization that takes custody of companion animals for the purpose of facilitating adoption and houses such companion animals in a foster home or a system of foster homes.
than a public or private animal shelter, at which site through an affiliation with a public or privateer animal shelter, home-based rescue, releasing agency, or other animal welfare organization care or rehabilitation is provided for companion animals.
H "Humane" means any action taken in consideration of and with the intent to provide for the a5imal's health and well-being.
H "Groomer" means any person who, for a fee, cleans, trims, brushes, makes neat, manicures, or treats for external parasites any animal.
3 investigator as provided in § 3.2-6558.
O for the purpose of facilitating adoption and houses such companion animals in a foster home or Uals system of foster homes.
who has been appointed by a circuit court as a humane "Humane society" means any incorporated, nonprofit organization that is organized for the purposes of preventing cruelty to animals and promoting humane care and treatment or adoptions of animals.
"Humane" means any action taken in consideration of and with the intent to provide for the aSimal's health and well-being.
"Humane investigator" means a person who has been appointed by a circuit court as a humane E inv"Humane society" means any incorporated, nonprofit organization that is organized for the purposes of preventing cruelty to animals and promoting humane care and treatment or adoptions of animals.
"Inspector" means a State Animal Welfare Inspector employed pursuant to § 3.2-5901.1 or his representative.
S "Inspector" means a State Animal Welfare Inspector employed pursuant to § 3.2-5901.1 or his representative.
"Kennel" means any establishment in which five or more canines, felines, or hybrids of either are kep"Law-enforcement officer" means any person who is a full-time or part-time employee of a policeg.
U kept for the purpose of breeding, hunting, training, renting, buying, boarding, selling, or showing.
department or sheriff's office that is part of or administered by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof and who is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of the penal, traffic or highway laws of the Commonwealth.
"Law-enforcement officer" means any person who is a full-time or part-time employee of a polSce department or sheriff's office that is part of or administered by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof and who is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the T enforcement of the penal, traffic or highway laws of the Commonwealth.
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Part-time employees are compensated officers who are not full-time employees as defined by the employing police department or sheriff's office.
Part-time employees are I sheriff's office.ers who are not full-time employees as defined by the employing police department or "Livestock" includes all domestic or domesticated:
"Livestock" includes all domestic or domesticated:
or shellfish in aquaculture facilities, as defined in § 3.2-2600;
porcine animals;
enclosed domesticated rabbits or hares raised for human food or fiber;
cervidae animals;
or any other individual animal specifically raised for food or fiber, except companion animals.
capradae animals;
"New owner" means an individual who is legally competent to enter into a binding agreement pursuant to subdivision B 2 of § 3.2-6574, and who adopts or receives a dog or cat from a releasing agency.
animals of the genus Lama or Vicugna;
"Ordinance" means any law, rule, regulation, or ordinance adopted by the governing body of any loc"Other officer" includes all other persons employed or elected by the people of Virginia, or by any locality, whose duty it is to preserve the peace, to make arrests, or to enforce the law.
ratites;
"Owner" means any person who:
fish or shellfish in aquaculture facilities, as defined in § 3.2-2600;
enclosed domesticated rabbitsTor hares raised for human food or fiber;
or any other individual animal specifically raised for food or fiber, exc"New owner" means an individual who is legally competent to enter into a binding agreement E pursuant to subdivision B 2 of § 3.2-6574, and who adopts or receives a dog or cat from a releasing agency.
"Ordinance" means any law, rule, regulation, or ordinance adopted by the governing body of any locality.
locality, whose duty it is to preserve the peace, to make arrests, or to enforce the law.ia, or by any "Owner" means any person who:
"Pet shop" means a retail establishment where companion animals are bought, sold, exchanged, or offered for sale or exchange to the general public.
B "Pet shop" means a retail establishment where companion animals are bought, sold, exchanged,3or offered for sale or exchange to the general public.
"Poultry" includes all domestic fowl and game birds raised in captivity.
1 "Primary enclosure" means any structure used to immediately restrict an animal or animals to a limited amount of space, such as a room, pen, cage, compartment, or hutch.
limited amount of space, such as a room, pen, cage, compartment, or hutch.
For tethered animals, the term includes the shelter and the area within reach of the tether.
For tethered animals, the HB53 4 of 7 term includes the shelter and the area within reach of the tether.
"Private animal shelter" means a facility operated for the purpose of finding permanent adoptive homes for animals that is used to house or contain animals and that is owned or operated by an incorporated, nonprofit, and nongovernmental entity, including a humane society, animal welfare HB53H1 4 of 6 organization, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or any other similar organization.
"Private animal shelter" means a facility operated for the purpose of finding permanent adoptive homes for animals that is used to house or contain animals and that is owned or operated by an incorporated, nonprofit, and nongovernmental entity, including a humane society, animal welfare organization, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or any other similar organization.
§ 3.2-6558.
Humane investigators;
qualifications;
appointment;
term.
A.
A circuit court may reappoint any person as a humane investigator for any locality within its jurisdiction if the person:
1.
Was appointed as a humane investigator prior to July 1, 2003;
and 2.
Has never been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect, any felony, or any crime of moral turpitude according to a criminal background check, which shall be performed by the attorney for the of 7 Commonwealth at the expense of the person seeking the appointment.
B.
A circuit court may appoint a person to fill a vacancy in that jurisdiction created when I humane investigator who was appointed prior to July 1, 2003, is no longer willing or eligible to be a Numane inv1.
Has received a written recommendation from the administrative entity that oversees animal control in the locality where the humane investigator seeks appointment;
T 2.
Has never been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect, any felony, or any crime of moral R turpitude according to a criminal background check, which shall be performed by the attorney for the Commonwealth at the expense of the person seeking the appointment;
and O 3.
Has completed a basic animal control course approved by the State Veterinarian pursuant tD § 3.2-6556.
investigator only if he is employed by a humane society located within the locality where he is seeking appointment.
C D.
Reappointments of humane investigators shall be for terms of three years.
Each humane E investigator shall, during each term for which he is appointed, complete 15 hours of training in animal care and protection approved for animal control officers.
If a humane investigator is appointed to a succeeding term before or within 30 days after his current term expires, a criminal background check shall not be required.
If a humane investigator's term expires and he is not appointed to a succeeding appointed to another term.ays after his current term expires, the humane investigator shall not be § 3.2-6568.
Power of search for violations of statutes against cruelty to animals.
When an affidavit is made under oath before a magistrate or court of competent jurisdiction by any animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or State Veterinarian's representative that the complainant believes and has reasonable probable cause to believe that Hhe laws in relation to cruelty to animals have been, or are being, or are about to be violated in any p5rticular building or place, such magistrate or judge, if satisfied that there is reasonable probable cau3e for such building or place.
After issuing a warrant under this section, the magistrate or judge shall file thee affidavit in the manner prescribed by § 19.2-54.
After executing the warrant, the animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or State Veterinarian's representative shall return the warrant to the clerk of the circuit court of the city or county wherein the search was made.
Any humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer may lawfully seize apparent a violation of this chapter that has rendered the animal in such a condition as to constitute a direct and immediate threat to its life, safety, or health.
Any humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer may lawfully seize and impound any animal that has been abandoned, has been cruelly treated, or is suffering from an apparent violation of this chapter that has rendered the animal in such a condition as to constitute a direct and immediate threat to its life, safety, or health.
The seizure or impoundment of an equine resulting from a violation of clause (iv) of subsection A or clause (ii) of subsection B of § 3.2-6570 may shall be undertaken only by the State Veterinarian or State Veterinarian's representative who has received training in the examination and detection of sore horses as required by 9 C.F.R.
The seizure or impoundment of an equine resulting from a violation of clause (iv) of subsection A or clause (ii) of subsection B of § 3.2-6570 may be undertaken only by the State Veterinarian or State Veterinarian's representative who has received training in the examination and detection of sore horses as required by 9 C.F.R.
Before seizing or impounding any (i) agricultural animal or (ii) animal located at a zoo, the humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer shall contact the State appropriate action for effecting the seizure and impoundment.
Before seizing or impounding any agricultural animal or animal located at a zoo, the humane of 6 State Veterinarian's representative, who shall recommend to the person the most appropriate action foror effecting the seizure and impoundment.
The humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer may impound the agricultural such animal on the land where the agricultural animal is located if:
The humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer may impound the agricultural such animal on the land where the agricultural animal is loc1.
1.
or located, and it is in the best interest of the agricultural animal to be impounded on the land where it is located until the written permission of the owner or tenant of the land can be obtained.
or 3.
If C.
The owner or tenant of the land where the agricultural animal is located cannot be immediately located, and it is in the best interest of the agricultural animal to be impounded on the land where it is located until the written permission of the owner or tenant of the land can be obtained.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection B, if there is a direct and immediate threat to an agricultural animal, the humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer may seize the animal, in which case the humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer shall file within five business days on a form approved by the State Veterinarian a report on the condition of the animal at the time of the seizure, the location of impoundment, and any other infD.
humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer may seize the animal, in whichthe case the humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer shall file within five business days on a form approved by the State Veterinarian a report on the condition of the animal at the time of the seizure, the location of impoundment, and any other information required by the State Veterinarian.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection B, if there is a direct and immediate threat to an HB53 6 of 7 animal at a zoo (i) that cannot be corrected within a reasonable period of time or (ii) that the owner is unwilling or unable to correct after having received notice and a reasonable period of time for correction, the humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer may seize the animal, in which case the humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer shall file within five business days on a form approved by the State Veterinarian a report on the condition of the animal at the time of the seizure, the location of impoundment, and any other information required by the State Veterinarian.
O animal control officer shall petition the general district court in the city or county where thU animal is seized for a hearing.
C.
E.
Upon seizing or impounding an animal, the humane investigator, law-enforcement officer or animal control officer shall petition the general district court in the city or county where the animal is seized for a hearing.
The hearing shall be to determine whether the animal has been abandoned, has been cruelly treated, or has not been provided adequate care.
The hearing shall be to determine whether the animal has been abandoned, has beeS cruelly treated, or has not been provided adequate care.
F.
The humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer shall cause tE be the hearing.
The humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer shall cause to be served upon the person with a right of property in the animal or the custodian of the animal notice of the hearing.
If such person or the custodian is known but residing out of the jurisdiction where such animal is seized, written notice by any method or service of process as is provided by the Code of Virginia shall be given.
If such person or the custodian is known but residing out of the jurisdicSion where such animal is seized, written notice by any method or service of process as is provided by the Code of Virginia shall be given.
If such person or the custodian is not known, the humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer shall cause to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the jurisdiction wherein such animal is seized notice of the hearing at least one time prior to the hearing and shall further cause notice of the hearing to be posted at least five days prior to the hearing at the place provided for public notices at the city hall or courthouse wherein such hearing shall be held.
If such person or the custodian is not known, the humane investigator,U circulation in the jurisdiction wherein such animal is seized notice of the hearing at least one time prior to the hearing and shall further cause notice of the hearing to be posted at least five days prSor to the hearing at the place provided for public notices at the city hall or courthouse wherein such hearing shall be held.
E.
T E.
G.
The procedure for appeal and trial shall be the same as provided by law for misdemeanors.ITrial Commonwealth shall be required to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.5 of Title 19.2.
The procedure for appeal and trial shall be the same as provided by law for misdemeanors.
The F.
Trial by jury shall be as provided in Article 4 (§ 19.2-260 et seq.) of Chapter 15 of Title 19.2.
The Commonwealth shall be required to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
F.
H.
Any locality may require the owner of any animal held pursuant to this subsection for more than 30 days to post a bond in surety with the locality for the amount of the cost of boarding the animal for a period of time set by ordinance, not to exceed nine months.
Any locality may require the owner of any animal held pursuant to this subsection for more than 30 days to post a bond in surety with the locality foT the amount of the cost of boarding the animal for a period of time set by ordinance, not to exceed nine monIn any locality that has not adopted such an ordinance, a court may order the owner of an animal held pursuant to this subsection for more than 30 days to post a bond in surety with the locality for the amount of the cost of boarding the animal for a period of time not to exceed nine months.
In any locality that has not adopted such an ordinance, a court may order the owner of an animal held pursuant to this subsection for more than 30 days to post a bond in surety with the locality for the amount of the cost of boarding the animal for a period of time not to exceed nine months.
If the court determines that the animal has been neither abandoned, cruelly treated, nor deprived of adequate care, the animal shall be returned to the owner.
If the court determines that the animal has been neither abandoned, cruelly treated, nor deprived of been (i) abandoned or cruelly treated, (ii) deprived of adequate care, as that term is defined in has § 3.2-6500, or (iii) raised as a dog that has been, is, or is intended to be used in dogfighting in violation of § 3.2-6571, then the court shall order that the animal may be:
If the court determines that the animal has been (i) abandoned or cruelly treated, (ii) deprived of adequate care, as that term is defined in § 3.2-6500, or (iii) raised as a dog that has been, is, or is intended to be used in dogfighting in violation of § 3.2-6571, then the court shall order that the animal may be:
(a) sold by a local governingBbody, if not a companion animal;
(a) sold by a local governing body, if not a companion animal;
(b) disposed of by a local governing body pursuant to subsection D of 3 § 3.2-6546, whether such animal is a companion animal or, an agricultural animal, or a zoo anim1l;
(b) disposed of by a local governing body pursuant to subsection D of § 3.2-6546, whether such animal is a companion animal or an agricultural animal;
or (c)G.
or (c) delivered to the person with a right of property in the animal as provided in subsection G I.
G.
I.
J.
The court shall order the owner of any animal determined to have been abandoned, cruelly HB53H1 6 of 6 treated, or deprived of adequate care to pay all reasonable expenses incurred in caring and providing for such animal from the time the animal is seized until such time that the animal is disposed of in accordance with the provisions of this section, to the provider of such care.
The court shall order the owner of any animal determined to have been abandoned, cruelly treated, or deprived of adequate care to pay all reasonable expenses incurred in caring and providing for such animal from the time the animal is seized until such time that the animal is disposed of in accordance with the provisions of this section, to the provider of such care.
K.
L.
If the court finds that an agricultural animal has been abandoned or cruelly treated, the court may prohibit the possession or ownership of any other agricultural animal by the owner of the agricultural animal if the owner has exhibited a pattern of abandoning or cruelly treating agricultural animals as evidenced by previous convictions of violating § 3.2-6504 or 3.2-6570.
If the court finds that an agricultural animal has been abandoned or cruelly treated, the court may prohibit the possession or ownership of any other agricultural animal by the owner of the agricultural animal if the owner has exhibited a pattern of abandoning or cruelly treating agricultural of 7 determination to prohibit the possession or ownership of agricultural animals, the court may taIe into consideration the owner's mental and physical condition.
In making a determination to prohibit the possession or ownership of agricultural animals, the court may take into consideration the owner's mental and physical condition.
or J L may petition the court to repeal the prohibition after two years have elapsed from the date of entry of the court's order.
K.
Any person who is prohibited from owning or possessing animals pursuant to subsection I or J may petition the court to repeal the prohibition after two years have elapsed from the date of entry of the court's order.
R unreimbursed expenses for the care and provision of the animal, and the remaining proceeds, if any, to the shall be paid over to the owner of the animal.
L.
If the owner of the animal cannot be found, the Droceeds remM.
When a sale occurs, the proceeds shall first be applied to the costs of the sale then next to the unreimbursed expenses for the care and provision of the animal, and the remaining proceeds, if any, shall be paid over to the owner of the animal.
O.
If the owner of the animal cannot be found, the proceeds remaining shall be paid into the Literary Fund.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the humane destruction of a criUically injured or ill animal for humane purposes by the impounding humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, animal control officer, or licensed veterinarian.
M.
C E D B 3
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the humane destruction of a critically injured or ill animal for humane purposes by the impounding humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, animal control officer, or licensed veterinarian.
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Action History

  1. Left in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources

  2. Continued to 2023 in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (15-Y 0-N)

  3. Assigned ACNR sub: Companion Animals

  4. Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources

  5. Constitutional reading dispensed

  6. VOTE: Passage (52-Y 47-N)

  7. Read third time and passed House (52-Y 47-N)

  8. Engrossed by House - committee substitute HB53H1

  9. Committee substitute agreed to 22106112D-H1

  10. Read second time

  11. Read first time

  12. Impact statement from DPB (HB53H1)

  13. Committee substitute printed 22106112D-H1

  14. Reported from Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources with substitute (11-Y 10-N)

  15. Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (6-Y 4-N)

  16. Assigned ACNR sub: Agriculture

  17. Impact statement from DPB (HB53)

  18. Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources

  19. Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/12/22 22101084D

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 147 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (147)

147 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Subjects

public-safety agriculture
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 53?
HB 53 is sponsored by Campbell, Ronnie R..
What is the current status of HB 53?
This bill died with 2023 Regular Session. It reached “Passed House of Delegates” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 53?
Track HB 53 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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