A. If any domesticated livestock enters into any grounds enclosed by a lawful fence, as defined in §§ 55.1-2804 through 55.1-2807, the owner or manager of any such animal shall be liable for the actual damages sustained.
B. Punitive damages may be awarded but shall not exceed $20 in any case.
C. For every second and subsequent trespass, the owner or manager of such animal shall be liable for double damages, both actual and punitive.
Code 1950, §§ 8-874 through 8-876; 1977, c. 624, § 55-306; 1979, c. 486; 2019, c. 712.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 55.1 - Property and Conveyances
Chapter 28 - Trespasses; Fences
§ 55.1-2802. Unlawful to sell other controlling devices unless they meet certain standards
§ 55.1-2804. Description of lawful fence
§ 55.1-2805. Proceeding to declare stream of water or canal a lawful fence
§ 55.1-2806. Boundary lines of certain low grounds on James River a lawful fence
§ 55.1-2807. Statutes declaring watercourses lawful fences continued
§ 55.1-2808. Property owner may place cattle guards or gates across right-of-way
§ 55.1-2810. Damages for trespass by animals; punitive and double damages
§ 55.1-2812. Impounding animals
§ 55.1-2813. Duty to issue warrant when animal impounded
§ 55.1-2814. How governing body of county may make local fence law
§ 55.1-2815. Effect of such law on certain fences
§ 55.1-2816. Application to railroad companies
§ 55.1-2817. No authority to adopt more stringent fence laws
§ 55.1-2818. Effect on existing fence laws or no-fence laws
§ 55.1-2819. Lands under quarantine
§ 55.1-2820. When unlawful for animals to run at large
§ 55.1-2821. Obligation to provide division fences
§ 55.1-2822. When no division fence has been built
§ 55.1-2823. When division fence already built
§ 55.1-2824. Recovery of amount due in connection with division fence
§ 55.1-2825. Requirements for agreement to bind successors in title; subsequent owners
§ 55.1-2827. Courts to fix boundaries of villages to prevent animals from running at large
§ 55.1-2828. Petition for action to fix boundaries of village or unincorporated community
§ 55.1-2829. Entry of order if petition not contested
§ 55.1-2830. Procedure in case of contest
§ 55.1-2832. Animals shall not run at large after entry of order
§ 55.1-2834. Owner of domesticated livestock liable for trespasses
§ 55.1-2835. Damages recoverable for timber cutting
§ 55.1-2836. Procedure for determination of damage
§ 55.1-2837. When person damaged may proceed in court
§ 55.1-2838. Larceny of timber; penalty
§ 55.1-2839. Larceny of timber; failure to remit payment to owner; penalty
§ 55.1-2840. Load tickets required for certain sales of timber; penalty