HB 3427
Relating to cruelty to animals
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends West Virginia’s existing laws regarding cruelty to animals. It clarifies definitions related to animal care, specifically detailing requirements for tethering and shelter. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses, including increased fines and jail time for repeat offenders. A new registry will be created for individuals convicted of a second offense of animal cruelty, preventing them from adopting or selling animals.
Key provisions
- Defines terms like ‘food,’ ‘water,’ and ‘shelter’ as they relate to animal care.
- Specifies requirements for tethering animals, including harness/collar types, tether length, and shelter construction.
- Increases criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses, with higher fines and longer jail sentences for repeat offenders.
- Creates a state-wide registry for individuals convicted of a second offense of animal cruelty, prohibiting them from adopting or selling animals.
- Outlines penalties for administering controlled substances or drugs to animals for performance enhancement.
- Addresses penalties for torturing, mutilating, or maliciously killing animals.
- Establishes a process for seizing animals in cases of imminent harm or death.
- Provides exceptions for lawful hunting, fishing, trapping, and certain farm animal practices.
Who is affected
- Animal owners and caretakers
- Veterinarians
- Animal welfare organizations
- The general public
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