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Board reinstates dangerous‑dog and livestock‑killing provisions to mirror Virginia law
Summary
The board voted to reinstate county code language mirroring the Virginia Code on dangerous dogs and dogs killing livestock; staff said animal‑control investigations feed into a judicial process for adjudication.
The King William County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance reinstating local dangerous‑dog and dogs‑killing‑livestock provisions in the county code to mirror the Virginia Code.
County attorneys and staff explained that the county previously repealed the local provisions to avoid mismatches with state law; reinstating the language will make the county code a direct mirror of the state code so county web resources remain current and easier for residents to consult.
Animal control deputies explained that officers are trained to investigate potentially dangerous dogs and that, after investigation, law enforcement may apply for a summons; adjudication of a dangerous‑dog designation is determined through a judicial process as prescribed by state law. The board asked about officer training and how many dogs are currently designated dangerous; staff said three dogs are listed and a fourth is pending.
Supervisors approved the ordinance to restore the local text that tracks state law and requested that staff maintain updated county code language after General Assembly changes so county pages are not outdated.
The ordinance was adopted by board vote.
