Effective July 1, Animal Control Officers have a new title: Animal Protection Police Officer. County officials, working in conjunction with state delegates, have authorized the title reclassification, which expands the officers’ current role to include full law enforcement scope and authority.
Animal Protection Police Officers will continue to investigate all calls for service and reports of animal welfare and injured wildlife. Previously, the officers were limited in their ability to obtain criminal charges pursuant to an investigation. The new state law allows them to prosecute criminal statutes pertaining to all animal welfare laws and criminal law.
The new Animal Protection Police Service officers will receive additional training to enhance their knowledge and skills in Virginia laws and police-related topics.