2026 Regular Session
SB 192
Establishing offense of assault upon service animal
In Committee
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill creates a new crime in West Virginia: assault upon a service animal. It prohibits intentionally causing harm to a service animal, as well as reckless actions like taunting, striking, or interfering with the animal or its handler. Violators could face jail time, fines, and financial responsibility for veterinary bills, equipment damage, and the cost of replacing or retraining a damaged service animal.
Key provisions
- Prohibits intentionally causing physical harm to a service animal.
- Prohibits reckless actions like taunting, striking, or throwing objects at a service animal.
- Prohibits interfering with a service animal or its handler.
- Establishes penalties of up to one year in jail and a $500 fine for a misdemeanor.
- Requires offenders to pay for veterinary bills, equipment damage, and retraining costs.
- Addresses replacement costs if the service animal dies or requires extensive retraining due to the violation.
- Specifies that the offense applies only when the offender knows the animal is a service animal.
- Defines ‘service animal’ as those in §5-15-3 of the code.
Who is affected
- Individuals with disabilities (blind, deaf, or hearing impaired, or mobility impaired)
- Service animal handlers
- Service animal owners
- Veterinary professionals
- The criminal justice system
Notable changes
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