§ 4-59. Preservation and exhibition of license receipt; tag to be worn by dog; exceptions.

(a)

A dog license receipt shall be carefully preserved by the person to whom issued and exhibited promptly on request for inspection by the animal control officer or other county law enforcement officer. Dog license tags shall be securely fastened to a substantial collar by the owner or custodian and worn by such dog, and it shall be unlawful for the owner to permit any licensed dog four (4) months old or over to run or roam at large at any time without a license tag; provided, that the owner of a dog may remove the collar and license tag required by this section:

(1)

When the dog is engaged in lawful hunting;

(2)

When the dog is competing in a dog show;

(3)

When the dog has a skin condition which would be exacerbated by the wearing of a collar;

(4)

When the dog is confined; or

(5)

When the dog is under the immediate control of its owner.

(b)

Any dog not wearing a collar bearing a valid license tag shall prima facie be deemed to be unlicensed and, in any proceedings under this article, the burden of proof of the fact that such dog has been licensed or is otherwise not required to bear a tag at such time shall be on the owner of the dog.

(Ord. of 10-21-97; Ord. of 4-15-03, § I; Ord. of 2-27-07(5))

State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, §§ 3.1-796.89, 3.1-796.92.

(Ord. of 10-21-97; Ord. of 4-15-03, § I; Ord. of 2-27-07(5))

State law reference

Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, §§ 3.1-796.89, 3.1-796.92.