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Virginia Law

Code of Virginia

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Code of Virginia
Title 3.2. Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food
Chapter 65. Comprehensive Animal Care
7/5/2025

Article 14. Dangerous Captive Animal Exhibits.

§ 3.2-6594. Definitions.

As used in this article:

"Dangerous captive animal" means any bear, cougar, jaguar, leopard, lion, nonhuman primate, or tiger, or any hybrid of any such animal. "Dangerous captive animal" does not include a clouded leopard.

"Direct contact" means physical contact or proximity where physical contact is possible, including an opportunity for photography without a permanent physical barrier designed to prevent physical contact between the public and a dangerous captive animal.

"Keeper" means any person, as defined in § 1-230, who owns, has custody of, or is in control of a dangerous captive animal.

2020, c. 632.

§ 3.2-6595. Direct contact with dangerous captive animals prohibited.

It is unlawful for any keeper to provide or offer to provide to any member of the public, for free or for a cost, direct contact with a dangerous captive animal.

2020, c. 632.

§ 3.2-6596. Violation; penalty.

Any person who violates any provision of this article is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and is subject to a fine of not more than $500.

2020, c. 632.