What constitutes “cruelty to an animal?
Pet owners must provide proper food, water, and adequate shelter for animals at all times. The animal must be fed at least once every twenty-four (24) hours and have clean, fresh, drinkable water available at all times. Shelter must be a structure that is adequate to provide protection from the weather, keep the animal dry, and well maintained. The size of the shelter must be in proportion to the size of the animal. Inflicting inhumane pain or suffering or failing to provide veterinary care also constitutes cruelty. Violations should be reported by calling Animal Control at 441-7900.
Pet owners must provide proper food, water, and adequate shelter for animals at all times. The animal must be fed at least once every twenty-four (24) hours and have clean, fresh, drinkable water available at all times. Shelter must be a structure that is adequate to provide protection from the weather, keep the animal dry, and well maintained. The size of the shelter must be in proportion to the size of the animal. Inflicting inhumane pain or suffering or failing to provide veterinary care also constitutes cruelty. Violations should be reported by calling Animal Control at 441-7900.
State code 3.1-796.122 (Virginia Comprehensive Animal Laws). Animal Cruelty may take many forms from lack of food, water or shelter to violent acts. It’s worth noting that animal cruelty is not only a shame but depending on the nature of the cruelty it can be a potential public safety threat. All suspected animal cruelty should be reported by calling police communications at 385-5000.
