HB 5550
Relating to shelter for animals
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the West Virginia Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, clarifies the requirements for providing shelter to tethered or roaming dogs, particularly during extreme weather events. It specifies the minimum standards for a suitable shelter, including materials, size, and bedding, and prohibits the use of inadequate shelters like containers or vehicles. The bill also addresses penalties for animal cruelty, including increased fines and jail time for repeat offenders, and restricts the ability of convicted individuals to possess animals for a period of time.
Key provisions
- Defines a minimum shelter standard for tethered dogs during extreme weather, including size, materials, and bedding requirements.
- Prohibits the use of certain inadequate shelters, such as containers or vehicles.
- Establishes penalties for animal cruelty, including fines and jail time, with increased penalties for repeat offenses.
- Restricts the ability of convicted animal cruelty offenders to possess animals for a period of time (5 years for misdemeanors, 15 years for felonies).
- Specifies that working dogs are exempt from certain shelter requirements if an animal control officer deems them safe.
- Addresses penalties for administering drugs to animals for performance enhancement.
- Outlines the forfeiture of animals upon conviction for animal cruelty.
- Requires a psychological evaluation and anger management program for repeat offenders.
Who is affected
- Dog owners
- Animal control officers
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