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Newport News, VA Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Source: Virginia Legislative Information System →

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Key Facts

Care statute: Va. Code 3.2-6503
Definitions: Va. Code 3.2-6500
Cruelty statute: Va. Code 3.2-6570
First violation: Class 4 misdemeanor

Virginia state rule: Newport News does not have a local ordinance for animal hoarding. This topic is governed by Virginia state law and applies uniformly across the state.

Summary

Virginia Code Section 3.2-6503 requires every owner to provide adequate care for companion animals, with criminal penalties for neglect that often underpin hoarding cases.

Full Breakdown

Va. Code Section 3.2-6503 requires every owner of a companion animal to provide adequate feed, water, shelter, space, exercise, care, and veterinary treatment. Adequate care is defined in Section 3.2-6500. A violation is a Class 4 misdemeanor; subsequent violations escalate to Class 2 or 3 misdemeanors. Malicious deprivation of food, water, shelter, or emergency veterinary treatment causing serious harm can be a felony under Section 3.2-6570. These cruelty standards apply statewide to private owners, shelters, and rescues, and provide the legal basis for hoarding-related seizures.

Violations & Fines

Class 4 misdemeanor first offense; up to Class 6 felony for malicious cruelty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Virginia have a specific animal hoarding law?

There is no separate hoarding statute. Hoarding cases are prosecuted under Section 3.2-6503 inadequate care standards and Section 3.2-6570 cruelty provisions, plus local pet-limit ordinances.

Can authorities seize neglected animals?

Yes. Animal control officers may seize animals lacking adequate care under Section 3.2-6569, with court review of custody and forfeiture.

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Newport News, VA Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

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Summary

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