Newport News, VA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- No livestock at large, city limits
- Impound hold
- 5 days to redeem
- Unclaimed animals
- Sold after 5-day notice
- Enforcement
- Animal control officer
Summary
Newport News prohibits letting owned livestock run loose within city limits; stray animals are impounded by animal control and held five days before sale, under City Code § 6-6.
No person shall permit any livestock owned or controlled by such person to run at large within the city limits. Any livestock found running at large in violation of this section shall be taken up by the animal control officer or other officer and impounded at a place provided by the city for such purpose. Such animal shall be held for a period of five (5) days, during which time the owner may redeem the animal, by proving ownership and paying the costs incurred by the city in impounding and caring for such animal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 81).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 6-6(a) makes it unlawful for any person to let livestock they own or control run at large within the city. Loose livestock is picked up by the animal control officer and impounded for five days, during which the owner may reclaim it by proving ownership and paying impoundment costs set by the city manager, never less than the dog-impoundment fee. Unclaimed animals are sold at public auction after five days' posted notice; a fine may still apply.
Violations & Fines
Livestock running at large violates § 6-6(a); the owner faces impoundment costs plus any fine imposed for the violation, even after the animal is redeemed or sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my horse or goat gets loose in Newport News?
Does paying impoundment costs excuse the violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport News
How Newport News compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Newport News to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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