HB 5207
To increase the protections for the welfare of domestic animals
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to strengthen protections for the welfare of domestic animals in West Virginia. It updates existing laws regarding animal cruelty, defines key terms like ‘humane officer’ and ‘adequate care,’ and establishes clearer duties for animal shelters and individuals responsible for animal care. The bill also increases penalties for animal cruelty offenses, particularly for repeat offenders, and addresses issues like unlawful confinement and hoarding of animals, including requiring mental health treatment in certain hoarding cases.
Key provisions
- Defines terms related to animal welfare, including ‘humane officer,’ ‘primary enclosure,’ and ‘adequate care.’
- Updates the duties of humane officers, including the right to inspect records and property and reporting suspected child or vulnerable adult abuse.
- Requires owners to confine unspayed female dogs in estrus.
- Increases the penalty for a second offense of animal cruelty.
- Defines criminal offenses of unlawful confinement of domestic animals and hoarding of animals.
- Establishes criminal penalties for hoarding of animals and may require mental health treatment.
- Specifies requirements for humane euthanasia procedures.
- Addresses the liability of owners for the costs of care for seized animals.
Who is affected
- Animal shelters and rescue organizations
- Private individuals owning domestic animals
- Humane officers and animal control officials
- Children and vulnerable adults potentially at risk of animal abuse
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