AGENDA DATE: 10/20/2021
TITLE:
Title
Ordinance to Amend County Code Chapter 4, Animals
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Adoption of an Ordinance to amend County Code Chapter 4, Animals, Division 2, Dangerous Dogs, as required by changes to Virginia Code ? 3.2-6540 et seq
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Farley, Lantz, Jamerson
PRESENTER (S): Amanda Farley
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: On March 31, 2021, in the Special Session I of 2021, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 1135, which amended and reorganized Virginia Code sections applicable to dangerous dogs. The amendments to the Virginia Code require like amendments to the Albemarle County Code, so that they are in compliance with state mandates.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: Effective July 1, 2021, Virginia Code ?? 3.2-6540 and 3.2-6542.1 are amended and ?? 3.2-6540.01, 3.2-6540.02, 3.2-6540.03, 3.2-6540.04, and 3.2-6540.1 are added. So that the Albemarle County Code conforms to the recent changes to the Virginia Code, draft amendments to Albemarle County Code ?? 4-210 through 4-220 are submitted with proposed changes.
The significant amendments to the Virginia Code, which are reflected in the proposed ordinance, include:
-clarification on the definition of "dangerous dog";
-additional responsibilities of the owner of a dog suspected to be or determined to be a "dangerous dog";
-additional responsibilities of animal control officers;
-additional procedural options for a court that is determining whether a dog is a "dangerous dog";
-new notice requirements; and
-confinement, transfer, and relocation requirements for a dog determined to be a "dangerous dog".
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no expected budget im...
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