City Revises Dangerous and Vicious Dog Law

On February 23rd, City Council unanimously voted to revise the City's regulations concerning Dangerous and Vicious Dogs to conform to changes in State law. There are several advantages to this revision. Dangerous Dogs in Virginia are entered and maintained on a state registry, provided that they are appointed by a court, which will now be a part of the City process. In addition, adapting to State law provides a uniform definition throughout the state, meaning that the Dangerous Dog designation and requirements will apply wherever the owner and dog reside within the state.

In Virginia and in the City of Alexandria, ownership of a Dangerous Dog comes with great responsibility and is taken very seriously. Owners choosing to keep dogs that have legally been declared Dangerous are subject to a number of regulations on how these dogs may be kept - the dog must wear a special tag, and must be confined to the owner's property, either inside the building or in an enclosed run, unless on a leash with the owner. In addition, the dog must be muzzled when off the property, identified with a tattoo or microchip, and be spayed or neutered. The owner must post a warning sign on the property, maintain liability insurance against dog bites, obtain a special permit from Animal Control and notify Animal Control of any escape or other event. The owner's failure to comply with these requirements is punishable as a misdemeanor.

In the past, dogs from other jurisdictions who came into the City and attacked a person or their pet were difficult to prosecute, as City law varied from state law. These new ordinance provisions will not only apply to City residents, but also to any owner and dog who reside anywhere in the state and bring the dog into the City. An out-of-state owner who brings his or her dog into the City will also be subject to these provisions if the owner is served with the summons in Virginia.

These changes also affect use of City dog parks. Since use of the City's dog parks is a privilege or benefit, the City is free to establish its own standards for dogs using the parks, unrelated to state law. In order to maintain the same level of protection for members of the public and other dogs while in dog parks, the new ordinance includes a definition of "aggressive dog", which mirrors the City's prior Dangerous Dog definition and includes some instances which would not meet the state's Dangerous Dog definition. Aggressive dogs, just like Dangerous Dogs, are banned from the City's dog parks and off-leash exercise areas. This ban can apply to any dog, regardless of where the dog lives.

Animal Control supports these changes in the law, and applaud the City's efforts towards keeping its residents safe from harm by Dangerous or Vicious Dogs.