(A) For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
OWNER. Any person who:
(a) Has a right of property in an animal;
(b) Keeps or harbors an animal;
(c) Has an animal in his care; or
(d) Acts as a custodian of an animal.
RUNNING AT LARGE and RUN AT LARGE. A dog roaming, running or self hunting off the properly of its owner or custodian and not under its owner’s immediate control.
(B) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog to allow or permit any such animal to run at large within the unincorporated portions of Northampton County or within the boundaries of any incorporated town which passes a similar ordinance to regulate and control the running at large of dogs.
(C) (1) Any dog found at large may be confiscated by the Animal Warden or other authorities and, if not claimed within 12 days, it shall be disposed of pursuant to VA Code § 3.2-6546.
(2) In the event that any dog confined pursuant to this section is claimed by its rightful owner, such owner shall be charged with the actual expense incurred in keeping the dog impounded. Before the dog is released, the owner shall execute an affidavit of ownership, present the proper dog license, and pay all the expenses incurred in keeping the dog confined.
(D) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
(E) It shall be the duty of the Animal Warden or such other officers as may be designated by the Board of Supervisors of Northampton County to enforce the provisions of this section.
(Ord. passed 1-9-1996; Am. Ord. passed 5-9-2017)