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WEST VIRGINIA:

No restrictive laws concerning hybrid ownership were found. 
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/Code.cfm?chap=20&art=1#01

Division of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 67
Elkins, WV 26241
1-304-637-0245

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Regarding laws and regulations in Virginia pertaining to hybrid cats or hybrid wolves, specifically those associated with restrictions on ownership, possession, or breeding.

First, it's important to know that Department regulations specifically include wolf hybrids and hybrids with wild felines in the list of animals defined as "domestic" (4 VAC 15-20-50; http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+4VAC15-20-50). As such, wildlife-associated regulations that permit or restrict the possession, importation, sale, etc., of wild animals exclude domestic animals, since domestic animals are specifically excluded from the definition of "wild animal" (same regulation citation). See specifically 4 VAC 15-30-10 (http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+4VAC15-30-10), possession, importation, sale, etc., of wild animals.

Additionally, while we do require permits for the importation, liberation, or possession of predatory or undesirable animals or birds (4 VAC 15-30-20; http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+4VAC15-30-20) and of certain nonnative (exotic) animals (4 VAC 15-30-40--including all non-domestic cats and dogs-- http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+4VAC15-30-40), a companion regulation (4 VAC 15-30-30; http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+4VAC15-30-30) notes that the regulation chapter does not prohibit the possession, importation, and sale of certain albinos or of "domestic animals" as defined in 4 VAC 10-20-50.

That said, there are a number of jurisdictions (counties, cities, etc.) in the Commonwealth that have adopted local ordinances that may restrict the type of "vicious animal" (or perceived vicious animal). I tried to find a link that might have that information cataloged, but was unsuccessful. You may want to contact the Virginia Animal Control Association (http://www.vacaonline.com/) to see if they can help you with respect to local ordinances.

If you have any questions or need more information, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Becky Gwynn

Rebecca K. Gwynn
Assistant Director, Wildlife Diversity Division
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
4010 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 367-8351 (phone)
(804) 367-6179 (fax)
(804) 389-3953 (cell)
Becky.Gwynn @ dgif.virginia. gov

1/18/08

Disclaimer: Please check all local, city, county, township, homeowners' ordinances in your area first before acquiring any hybrid or exotic animals.