Bill > HB4130

This bill, titled "Increase penalties for abuse of or cruelty to animals," aims to enhance protections for domestic animals by defining key terms like "humane officer," "primary enclosure" (where an animal lives most of the time), and "temporary enclosure" (used for short-term confinement like travel crates). It increases penalties for interfering with humane officers and clarifies their duties, including enforcing animal welfare laws and reporting suspected abuse of vulnerable individuals. The bill also establishes stricter standards for commercial dog breeders, requiring annual veterinary certification for breeding females, detailed disclosure to purchasers about a dog's health and origin, and mandates daily cleaning of food and water receptacles. Furthermore, it introduces new offenses such as unlawful confinement of domestic animals, defining specific conditions under which chaining, tethering, or caging is prohibited, and makes animal hoarding unlawful, requiring animals found in such conditions to be removed and placed in shelters. The bill also revises penalties for cruelty to animals, making second or subsequent offenses felonies and allowing courts to prohibit convicted individuals from owning animals for extended periods.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4130&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill