CHAPTER 153

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered
8-576.1, prohibiting the importing of certain animals and poultry into
the State, except under certain conditions.

[H 140]

Approved March 3, 1964

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
l. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding a section numbered
3-576.1, as follows:
| § 3-576.1. No person shall import into this State any pet animal,
including but not limited to, dogs, cats, monkeys, or other animals, ferae
naturae, wild or tame under domestication or in custody, or any poultry
not intended for commercial use which by its nature is fit for use only as a
pet, not including psittacine birds under domestication or in custody, unless
and until such animal or poultry is accompanied by a certificate of health
made by a properly qualified veterinarian. Such certificate shall be under
oath on an official interstate health certificate issued by the state of origin,
shall be dated no later than ten days before shipment, and shall contain
such evidence of proof of the health of the animal or poultry as the Board,
by regulation, may require. In lieu of the foregoing the Board may in its
discretion place such reasonable restrictions and requirements on such
psittacine birds after arrival within the Commonwealth of Virginia as it
may deem advisable to establish such proof of health.

Any such animal or poultry, which may be imported into this State
without such certificate, may be examined immediately by the State Vet-
erinarian or by a licensed veterinarian, designated by him, and the cost
thereof may be charged to the owner or the person in possession of such
animal or poultry. If, in the opinion of the veterinarian, there is danger
from contagion or infection, such animal or poultry may be placed in close
quarantine at the expense of the owner until all danger of infection or
contagion has passed; whereupon the animal or poultry shall be released
upon the order of such veterinarian.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to any animal or poultry
as herein defined passing directly through the State to another state in
interstate commerce, or when such animal or poultry is kept properly
under control by the owner or custodian of such animal or poultry when
passing through this State to another state; nor shall they apply to any
such animal or poultry brought into this State by a resident of this State
or by a resident of another state who intends to make his residence in this
State; or to any animal brought into this State temporarily for the pur-
pose of hunting within this State.