SB 893
Establishing offense of assault upon service animal
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a new crime in West Virginia: assault upon a service animal. It prohibits intentionally causing harm to a service animal, or recklessly taunting, striking, or interfering with a service animal or its handler. Violations can result in jail time or a fine, as well as financial responsibility for veterinary bills, equipment damage, and the cost of replacing or retraining the animal if it is injured or killed. The law specifically requires knowledge that the animal is a service animal for the offense to apply.
Key provisions
- Prohibits intentionally causing physical harm to a service animal.
- Prohibits reckless taunting, striking, or interfering with a service animal.
- Defines specific actions considered interference, including obstructing control, restricting access, and entering the animal's area.
- Establishes penalties of up to one year in jail or a $500 fine.
- Requires the offender to pay for veterinary bills, equipment damage, and replacement/retraining costs if the animal is injured or killed.
- Specifies that the offense requires knowledge that the animal is a service animal.
- Defines ‘service animal’ as those covered under existing state law.
- Creates a new misdemeanor offense (§61-3-27a).
Who is affected
- Service Animal Owners
- Blind, Deaf, or Hearing Impaired Individuals
- Individuals with Mobility Impairments
- Law Enforcement
- The General Public
Notable changes
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