The governing body of any locality may adopt ordinances requiring that dogs within any such locality be kept on a leash or otherwise restrained and may, by resolution directed to the circuit court, request the court to order a referendum as to whether any such ordinance so adopted shall become effective. Such referendum shall be held and conducted, and the results thereof ascertained and certified in accordance with § 24.2-684. The court shall require the governing body to give appropriate notice of the time, place and subject matter of such referendum.
The results of the referendum shall not be binding upon the governing body of the locality but may be used in ascertaining the sense of the voters.
Acts 2008, c. 860, eff. Oct. 1, 2008.
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Derivation:
Full Statute Name: West's Annotated Code of Virginia. Title 3.2. Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food. Subtitle V. Domestic Animals. Chapter 65. Comprehensive Animal Care. Article 6. Authority of Local Governing Bodies. § 3.2-6539. Ordinance requiring dogs to be kept on leash
Summary:
This Virginia statute provides that the governing body of any city may adopt regulations or ordinances requiring that dogs to be kept on a leash or otherwise restrained and may request the court to order a referendum as to whether any such ordinance so adopted shall become effective in the city. The results of the referendum shall not be binding upon the governing body of any such city but may be used in ascertaining the sense of the voters.
Acts 1984, c. 492, § 29-213.65; Acts 1987, c. 488; § 3.1-796.95.