SB 688
Establishing offense of assault or injury of service animal
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill creates a new misdemeanor offense in West Virginia for intentionally causing harm to or interfering with a service animal. It specifically addresses situations where the animal is assisting someone with a disability, as defined by the ADA, or when the offender knows the animal is a service animal. Violations can result in jail time, fines, and the requirement to pay restitution for damages to the animal and its handler.
Key provisions
- Creates a new misdemeanor offense for assaulting or injuring a service animal.
- Defines circumstances under which the offense applies, including when the animal is assisting a person with a disability.
- Prohibits actions like taunting, striking, or interfering with a service animal or its handler.
- Requires offenders to pay restitution for damages to the service animal, its handler, and any related expenses.
- Restitution includes the value of the animal, retraining costs, veterinary expenses, and lost wages for the handler.
Who is affected
- Service animal handlers
- Individuals with disabilities who rely on service animals
- Pet owners
- The State of West Virginia
- The Judiciary
Notable changes
- Establishes a specific criminal offense for harming service animals.
- Includes provisions for restitution that cover a broad range of damages.
- Explicitly references the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in defining service animals and related protections.
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