Lanexa, VA Dog Laws

Lanexa is a community located in New Kent County, approximately 20 miles south of West Point and midway between the cities of Richmond and Hampton, Virginia. Lanexa dog laws follow animal care statutes from the Annotated Code of the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, there are local county ordinances and licensing regulations pertaining to dogs.

  1. Control

    • The Virginia statutes permit local jurisdictions to determine certain control regulations. The Animal Control Unit, a branch of the New Kent County Sheriff's Office, indicates that individuals must be in control of their dogs at all times. They may not stray, damage other people's property or become a nuisance. Virginia's Annotated Code addresses the control of dangerous dogs. A dog that has bitten or injured a person, or has attacked or killed another companion animal is considered dangerous. Such dogs must be registered with the Dangerous Dog Registry of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Exemptions include cases where no injury was caused to the other animal, if it occurred on the property of the owner of the attacking dog, or if the two animals are owned by the same person. A dog is considered vicious if this behavior has occurred on multiple occasions. In extreme cases, the court may order euthanasia of the dog.

    Breeders/Shelters/Shops

    • Virginia law allows the state veterinarian, or a representative, to inspect the premises of any pet shops, kennels, shelters, groomers or boarders to determine whether appropriate care is provided to the animals. A business license is required for commercial dog breeding and no more than 50 adult dogs are permitted at any time. Female dogs may be bred between the ages of 18 months and eight years, provided they are certified as in good health by a licensed veterinarian. Accurate records of the description, medical records and disposition of dogs must be maintained for a minimum of five years. Puppies may not be sold or given away until they are seven weeks old and have been weaned from their mother. Vaccinations must be current for the age of the dog and the immunization history must be provided to the new owner. Misrepresentation of dog's condition is a misdemeanor.

    Licenses

    • The New Kent County Animal Control Unit specifies that all dogs must be licensed and renewed annually in January. An individual dog license is $6, as of 2011. License fees are waived for service dogs. Proof of rabies vaccination is required to obtain a license. The tag must be worn by the dog at all times and an ID tag with the owner's name and telephone number is also recommended to help recover them in the event they are lost. The Animal Control Office must approve the purchase of a dangerous dog tag.

    Owner Responsibilities

    • Individual dog owners must provide appropriate care including adequate food and water, appropriate shelter, exercise and necessary veterinary care. Puppies must receive rabies vaccines beginning at the age of four months. The Virginia Annotated Code indicates that violation of any of these regulations is a misdemeanor.