Replace Virginia's Ineffective One Bite Animal Law
The Issue
If you are a victim of a first time animal attack in Virginia, you have very few rights. Our neighborhood is under siege by a violent dog. If it were a person, it would be in jail. This situation should be considered a serious crime:
- 5 victims so far including responding police officer
- 1st bite required stitches at ER for two deep wounds caused permanent scars but no recourse due to one bite law
- Irresponsible owner received only two $50 fines for being "at large"
- Dog not declared dangerous by Fairfax County even after police officer testified about being dragged to the ground and bitten
- Dog still at home and neighbors live in fear; especially seniors
This situation is not unique; in Virginia, dog attack incidents often result in negligible consequences for the owners, with deaths by dog leading to fines less than $1K. More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S., with approximately 20% of victims requiring medical attention, according to the CDC. Should we wait until more residents become statistics before actions are taken?
For Virginians living under the outdated "one bite" rule, this archaic law essentially offers a free pass to irresponsible pet owners until their animal has caused harm more than once. It underestimates the danger posed and ignores the potential for future attacks.
Virginia residents deserve better and need protection through modernized legislative measures that prevent such attacks and ensure affected individuals receive justice and compensation. Adopting new laws with stricter penalties and greater accountability for pet owners will act as a deterrent and reduce the number of attacks.
The proposed legislation should include mandatory insurance for dog owners to cover potential damage, comprehensive reporting and tracking of aggressive animals, and the empowerment of local authorities to take necessary actions to prevent attacks.
We call for immediate legislative action to replace the ineffective "one bite" law with a robust legal framework that prioritizes safety and fairness. Join me in advocating for change to protect our families, neighborhoods, and communities.
Please sign this petition to demand updated animal control laws in Virginia that provide real safety and justice for its residents.
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The Issue
If you are a victim of a first time animal attack in Virginia, you have very few rights. Our neighborhood is under siege by a violent dog. If it were a person, it would be in jail. This situation should be considered a serious crime:
- 5 victims so far including responding police officer
- 1st bite required stitches at ER for two deep wounds caused permanent scars but no recourse due to one bite law
- Irresponsible owner received only two $50 fines for being "at large"
- Dog not declared dangerous by Fairfax County even after police officer testified about being dragged to the ground and bitten
- Dog still at home and neighbors live in fear; especially seniors
This situation is not unique; in Virginia, dog attack incidents often result in negligible consequences for the owners, with deaths by dog leading to fines less than $1K. More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S., with approximately 20% of victims requiring medical attention, according to the CDC. Should we wait until more residents become statistics before actions are taken?
For Virginians living under the outdated "one bite" rule, this archaic law essentially offers a free pass to irresponsible pet owners until their animal has caused harm more than once. It underestimates the danger posed and ignores the potential for future attacks.
Virginia residents deserve better and need protection through modernized legislative measures that prevent such attacks and ensure affected individuals receive justice and compensation. Adopting new laws with stricter penalties and greater accountability for pet owners will act as a deterrent and reduce the number of attacks.
The proposed legislation should include mandatory insurance for dog owners to cover potential damage, comprehensive reporting and tracking of aggressive animals, and the empowerment of local authorities to take necessary actions to prevent attacks.
We call for immediate legislative action to replace the ineffective "one bite" law with a robust legal framework that prioritizes safety and fairness. Join me in advocating for change to protect our families, neighborhoods, and communities.
Please sign this petition to demand updated animal control laws in Virginia that provide real safety and justice for its residents.
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Petition created on June 8, 2025