Bill > SB290

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for wildlife rehabilitation in West Virginia by creating a formal Wildlife Rehabilitator permit system. The bill allows the state director to issue permits to qualified individuals who can capture, transport, care for, and release or humanely euthanize orphaned, injured, or ill wildlife. To obtain a permit, applicants must be certified by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council or be a licensed veterinarian, have no wildlife-related criminal convictions, maintain facilities that meet national minimum standards, and provide a letter of competence from a professional in the field. The bill also permits licensed veterinarians, humane societies, and animal control agencies to provide emergency wildlife care for up to 48 hours, and allows individuals to transport wildlife to authorized caregivers. Importantly, the legislation emphasizes that wildlife rehabilitators cannot intentionally tame animals and must focus on restoring their health for potential release. Non-releasable wildlife may be used for educational purposes or transferred to specific facilities. The bill includes provisions for monitoring wildlife rehabilitation practices, requiring annual record-keeping and allowing natural resources police officers to intervene if rehabilitation standards are not met, with a 14-day notice period for rehabilitators to correct any deficiencies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=290&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill