2026 Regular Session
HB 5670
Relating to cruelty to animals
In Committee
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill updates West Virginia’s laws regarding animal cruelty. It defines key terms like ‘food,’ ‘water,’ and ‘shelter,’ and establishes specific requirements for tethering animals, including shelter standards and tethering practices. The bill increases criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses, particularly for repeat offenders, and creates a state-wide registry for individuals convicted of a second offense.
Key provisions
- Defines terms related to animal care, including ‘food,’ ‘water,’ and ‘shelter.’
- Specifies requirements for tethering animals, including shelter construction, tether length, and attachment methods.
- Increases criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses, including fines and jail time.
- Creates a state-wide registry for individuals convicted of a second animal cruelty offense, preventing them from adopting or selling animals.
- Establishes minimum standards for confinement areas for animals.
- Prohibits certain training methods involving domesticated animals.
- Addresses penalties for administering controlled substances to animals.
- Outlines consequences for forfeiting interest in an animal upon conviction.
Who is affected
- Animal owners and caretakers
- Veterinarians
- Animal welfare organizations
- Law enforcement
- The general public
Notable changes
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