CODE OF VIRGINIA

CARE OF AGRICULTURAL ANIMALS BY OWNER; PENALTY (§ 3.2-6503.1)

A. Each owner shall provide for each of his agricultural animals:

   1.  Feed to prevent malnourishment;

   2.  Water to prevent dehydration; and

   3.  Veterinary treatment as needed to address impairment of health or bodily
   function when such impairment cannot be otherwise addressed through animal
   husbandry, including humane destruction.

B. The provisions of this section shall not require an owner to provide feed or
water when such is customarily withheld, restricted, or apportioned pursuant to
a farming activity or if otherwise prescribed by a veterinarian.

C. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that there has been no violation of
this section if an owner is unable to provide feed, water, or veterinary
treatment due to an act of God.

D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to agricultural animals used
for bona fide medical or scientific experimentation.

E. A violation of this section is a Class 4 misdemeanor.

HISTORY: 2011, cc. 754, 886.