Animal Law
Doggy Detinue and Dangerous & Vicious Dog Proceedings
Doggy Detinue
In Virginia, pets are considered personal property. Detinue is a legal procedure to seek the return of your property when it is in the possession of another. To prevail, the plaintiff needs to prove that his or her ownership interest in the animal is greater than the ownership interest of the defendant.
Dangerous & Vicious Dog Proceedings
Dangerous & Vicious Dog proceedings are quasi-criminal proceedings brought by the Commonwealth of Virginia against the owner of a dog who has injured a person in the case of the vicious dog proceedings, or another animal in the case of dangerous dog proceedings.
In Virginia, pets are considered personal property. Detinue is a legal procedure to seek the return of your property when it is in the possession of another. To prevail, the plaintiff needs to prove that his or her ownership interest in the animal is greater than the ownership interest of the defendant.
Dangerous & Vicious Dog Proceedings
Dangerous & Vicious Dog proceedings are quasi-criminal proceedings brought by the Commonwealth of Virginia against the owner of a dog who has injured a person in the case of the vicious dog proceedings, or another animal in the case of dangerous dog proceedings.
- Dangerous Dogs: Dangerous dog proceedings can result in significant costs to the owner and restrictions on the dog, including the requirement to wear a muzzle when in public.
- Vicious Dogs: Vicious dog proceedings, unfortunately, can result in the euthanasia of the dog if the charge is upheld by a Virginia court.