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
3/2/2021

Article 14. Dangerous Captive Animal Exhibits.

§ 3.2-6594. (Effective July 1, 2021) 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. (Effective July 1, 2021) 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. (Effective July 1, 2021) 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.