AGENDA DATE: 8/3/2022
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; Article 2, Dogs; Division 3, Vicious Dogs, as required by changes to Virginia Code § 3.2-6540 et seq.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Rosenberg, Farley, Reeves, Walsh
PRESENTER (S): Amanda Farley
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: On April 11, 2022, in the Special Session 2022, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 279, which amended Virginia Code sections applicable to vicious 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, 2022, Virginia Code §§ 3.2-6540.1 is amended. So that the Albemarle County Code conforms to the recent changes to the Virginia Code, a draft amendment to Albemarle County Code §§ 4-222 is submitted with proposed changes.
The significant amendment to the Virginia Code, which is reflected in the proposed ordinance, includes authorization of a law enforcement officer or an animal control officer to apply to a magistrate of a jurisdiction in which the vicious dog resides or in which it committed an act set forth in the definition of “vicious dog.”
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no expected budget impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached proposed Ordinance (Attachment A).
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Proposed Ordinance