Virginia, like many states, has specific leash laws in place to regulate the control of dogs and other domestic animals in public spaces. These laws are designed to promote public safety, protect animals, and minimize potential conflicts between pet owners, pedestrians, and other animals. Understanding Virginia’s leash laws is essential for pet owners to ensure that they comply with local regulations. If someone is injured because a dog owner failed to comply with the law, that owner is liable for the victim’s losses under Virginia law. Speak to a Norfolk dog bite lawyer to learn more.
Here’s an overview of Virginia’s leash laws:
Local Variations
Virginia’s leash laws can vary by locality, so it’s important for pet owners to be aware of the specific regulations in their city or county. Local ordinances may have additional rules or restrictions beyond the state-level laws.
Running at Large Prohibited
Virginia Code § 3.2-6538 states that it is unlawful for any dog, licensed or unlicensed, to run at large. A dog is considered “at large” when it is off the property of its owner or custodian and not under the immediate control of a person capable of physically restraining the dog. This means that dogs must be on a leash or otherwise under control when outside of their owner’s property.
Exceptions
There are certain exceptions to the running at large prohibition. These include dogs that are participating in a lawful hunt, competition, or training exercise, dogs used by law enforcement agencies, and dogs within enclosed areas such as dog parks.
Dangerous Dogs
Virginia has specific regulations for dogs that have been declared “dangerous.” A dangerous dog must be securely confined or restrained, and when outside, it must be on a leash and under the control of a responsible person. There may be additional requirements for dangerous dog owners, including liability insurance.
Consequences for Violations
Violating Virginia’s leash laws can result in legal consequences. Dog owners found running at large may be subject to fines and could be held liable for any damage or injuries caused by their dogs. If the dog bites someone, the owner can be liable for the victim’s injuries. Although Virginia follows the “one-bite” rule, there are cases where a dog’s history of aggression or previous incidents can be used as evidence in a dog bite claim. Dog owners must take responsibility for their pet’s behavior and ensure they are properly restrained.
Control in Public Areas
When walking a dog in public areas, it is crucial to maintain control at all times. Even if a dog is on a leash, the owner must ensure that the dog does not become aggressive or pose a threat to others. Dogs should also be prevented from entering areas where they are not allowed, such as certain recreational spaces or businesses.
Service Animals
While leash laws apply to most dogs, they do not typically apply to service animals that are actively assisting individuals with disabilities. These animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and may be off-leash when performing their tasks.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm for Assistance
If you or a family member have sustained injuries from a dog, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today to schedule a free consultation and find out what legal options you may have. Not only may you be entitled to medical expenses and loss of income, but you may also be entitled to financial compensation for pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and the scarring or disfigurement your injuries have left. Our Norfolk dog bite lawyers are committed to getting clients the compensation they deserve, like the $1.5 million insurance settlement we were able to obtain for one client, a three-year-old child who suffered significant facial scarring after a dog attack.
Call our office today for a free and confidential case evaluation. For your convenience, we have offices in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, and Portsmouth.
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Since 1984, Jim St. Clair has fought and helped Virginia Beach personal injury clients overcome some of the most traumatic moments of their lives. Whether you have been in an accident caused by the fault of another or a victim of medical malpractice, the results can leave you profoundly damaged physically, mentally, and economically. You may be entitled to substantial compensation. Jim is a seasoned and experienced personal injury trial attorney with 40 years of experience. He graduated with honors from Creighton University School of Law in 1984 and then served in a prestigious federal law clerk position for the late U.S. District Judge J. Calvitt Clarke, Jr., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Over several decades, Jim has enjoyed remarkable success advocating for injured clients and has won notable multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts. He has tried cases in Virginia General District and Circuit Court and in the Eastern and Western District Virginia Federal Court. In one case that went up on appeal to the Supreme Court of Virginia, he convinced the court to change the law regarding the statute of limitations in Virginia medical malpractice “misdiagnosis” cases. Jim’s areas of Virginia personal injury law practice include medical malpractice, car and truck injury cases, dog bite injuries, and cases involving negligence at business premises. Within these areas of law, he has also successfully prosecuted numerous wrongful death actions. Outside the courtroom, Jim has served on the board of directors of the Better Business Bureau, taught as an adjunct professor for business law at Old Dominion University, instructed future paralegals at the American Institute of Paralegal Studies, and lectured Virginia attorneys on the subject of “insurance litigation in Virginia.” He is a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and the Virginia Beach Bar Association. If you have been impacted by the negligence of another, contact Jim St. Clair today for a free, confidential personal injury law consultation.
