§ 6-53. Duty of animal control officer upon finding stolen or detained dogs or cats.

The animal control officer or other officer finding a stolen dog or cat or a dog or cat held or detained contrary to law shall have authority to seize and hold such dog or cat pending action before the general district court or other court. If no such action is instituted within seven days, the animal control officer or other officer shall deliver the dog or cat to its owner. The presence of a dog or cat on the premises of a person other than its legal owner shall raise no presumption of theft against the owner of such premises, but it shall be his duty to notify the animal control officer, and the animal control officer may take such dog or cat in charge and notify its legal owner to remove it. The legal owner of the dog or cat shall pay a reasonable charge as the board of supervisors by ordinance shall establish for the keep of such dog or cat while in the possession of the animal control officer.

(Code 1988, § 3-28; Ord. No. O-00-001, 1-11-2000)

State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 3.1-796.127.

(Code 1988, § 3-28; Ord. No. O-00-001, 1-11-2000)

State law reference

Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 3.1-796.127.