The Code of Virgnina can be found on the VA State Police website. The Code section you are looking for is 3.2-6570 Cruelty to animals. It is a class 1 misdemenor to kill or injure an animal. If its a second offense in 5 years,or a companion animal, its a class 6 felony. Now i don't know what the court thinks a companion animal is but i don't think its a hunting dog. Also, its not illegal to defend your animals or livestock by deadly force if a dog is attacking your animals.