Code of Virginia § 3.2-6588. Intentional interference with a guide or leader dog; penalty.
168 words·~1 min read·
/va/title-3-2/chapter-65/3-2-6588A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
A. It is unlawful for a person to, without just cause, willfully impede or interfere with the duties performed by a dog if the person knows or has reason to believe the dog is a guide or leader dog. A violation of this subsection is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
B. It is unlawful for a person to, without just cause, willfully injure a dog if the person knows or has reason to believe the dog is a guide or leader dog. A violation of this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
"Guide or leader dog" means a dog that:
(i)serves as a dog guide for a blind person as defined in § 51.5-60 or for a person with a visual disability;
(ii)serves as a listener for a deaf or hard-of-hearing person as defined in § 51.5-111 ; or
(iii)provides support or assistance for an individual with a physical disability.
1995, c. 209 , § 3.1-796.128:1; 2008, c. 860 ; 2023, cc. 148 , 149 .