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Virginia statute

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1 — Trespass by hunters using dogs; penalty

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Article 5: Trespass to Realty, Code of Virginia.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1

Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the text of the Code of Virginia from the official Virginia Law Portal API published by the Virginia General Assembly's Division of Legislative Automated Systems; it is not the official Code of Virginia.

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session
Any person who intentionally releases hunting dogs on the lands of another which have been posted in accordance with the provisions of § 18.2-134.1 to hunt without the consent of the landowner or his agent is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of this section within three years is a Class 1 misdemeanor and, upon conviction, the court shall revoke such person's hunting or trapping license for a period of one year. The fact that hunting dogs are present on the lands of another alone is not sufficient evidence to prove that the person acted intentionally.

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Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is trespass by hunters using dogs a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?

It depends on the circumstances: trespass by hunters using dogs ranges from a class 3 misdemeanor to a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1.

Trespass by hunters using dogs — first offense: class 3 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1) · Trespass by hunters using dogs — subsequent offense: class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1)

Which Virginia statute covers trespass by hunters using dogs?

Trespass by hunters using dogs is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1 (Trespass by hunters using dogs; penalty).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.