Dangerous Dogs
Va. Code 3.2-6540 — a dog that seriously injured a person, found dangerous after a hearing
A Virginia law enforcement or animal control officer who has reason to believe an animal is a dangerous dog may apply to a magistrate for a summons requiring the owner to appear in general district court. The hearing is held within 30 days of the summons unless the court finds good cause, and the Commonwealth has to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
What makes a dangerous dog. The court finds a dog dangerous if it directly caused serious injury to a person, such as a laceration, a broken bone or a substantial puncture of the skin by teeth, or killed or seriously injured a dog or cat.
No summons is sought when the injury to a person was only a single nip or bite causing a scratch or abrasion, or for injuries in the other situations the section lists. On a finding, the court orders the owner to comply with the dangerous dog requirements and may order restitution for actual damages to anyone injured, without barring a civil suit.
Sources for this section (1)
- Va. Code 3.2-6540 — Dangerous dogs; investigation, summons, and hearing
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.